A popular topic of discussion in recent years has been whether to raise calves on the farm or send them off-site into the care of experienced calf rearers. While this decision relies solely on the farm’s goals, needs, and accommodations, each has its own set of pros and cons. At the recent Dairy Calf and Heifer Association annual meeting held in Westminster, Colo., assistant professor Catie Cramer of Colorado State University highlighted practices to be mindful of when transporting calves to a secondary site.

Just like any newborn, dairy calves are extremely vulnerable and more susceptible to contracting diseases early on due to the naïve nature of their immune system. Experiencing the world for the first time, along with bacteria, disease, and other pathogens, can create issues if not addressed properly within the first hours of life. Therefore, a large emphasis has been placed on timely colostrum feedings to help build immune function. While this is normally standard protocol for calves being raised on the dairy, Cramer discussed the importance of colostrum feeding before getting on the truck to boost the calf's fitness for transport.

There are 9.5 million calves from dairies raised annually in the U.S., including replacements and nonreplacements, with 43% of replacements being raised offsite and 15% being raised more than 50 miles away from the dairy. “About 80% of nonreplacement calves are transported at less than 1 week of age. In the western U.S., almost 64% are transported at less than 24 hours of age,” Cramer explained. However, shipping to another location can create added stress for calves. Protocols prior to getting on the truck can have effects on the calf’s ability to handle stress and disease and can also affect their performance later in life if not managed properly.

Stress boosts a calf's susceptibility to disease, and when transporting sick calves, the stressors are compounded Cramer emphasized. Having a protocol in place before the calf steps on the truck is crucial, and can affect their performance all the way into their lactating or feeder career. Cramer recommended a timely colostrum feeding prior to transport, electrolytes, and pausing to add a feeding of water or milk if the trip is long. While it may be easier to have calves shipped as soon as possible to lighten the workload, she also encouraged keeping calves at the source dairy for longer, allowing them time to build up their immune system for transport.

There are many things that play into calf health, be sure to manage calves to minimize stress. Whether being raised at the source dairy or at a calf rearer, they will experience some type of stress at one point or another. Record events of sickness and disease. After all, “We can’t manage what we don’t measure,” Cramer denoted.