Since calves are highly susceptible to disease, farmers should be using both physical and behavioral indicators to help identify a potential illness

The two or so months prior to weaning really lay the foundation for a healthy, productive dairy animal. It is important to review the success of your preweaned calf program every now and then

The correct nutrients, at the right time, creates the right recipe for optimal growth. That’s the winning strategy to develop the rumen in dairy calves

Newborn calves are an everyday occurrence on our family’s farm. Each one has its own unique pedigree, birth story, personality, and set of quirks

Anyone who works with calves knows they can become sick and dehydrated very quickly

Like other forms of automation on the farm, automatic calf feeders can collect and provide a wealth of information to the dairy producer

I know you’ve heard it before: “‘So-and-so’ is a cow whisperer; they seem to know a cow is sick before the cow does!” If you’re the lucky recipient of such high praise,...

Even people who classify as “social butterflies” may crave time alone now and then, and the same could be true for dairy calves

Through research and practical experience, we continue to learn more about the benefits of social housing for young dairy calves

When you consider major sources of variability in terms of nutrition, a single ingredient might not be on the top of your list for consideration

Vaccinations serve a vital role in maintaining animal wellbeing on today’s dairies. Many of those vaccinations are given early in life and provide a foundation for overall herd health

Many would consider colostrum to be the most important management factor in a calf’s life. As our standards of calf care continue to improve, methods to evaluate colostrum quality and success of...

A very positive trend in dairy cattle research the past few years has been more studies on calves. However, in a Dairy Calf and Heifer Association presentation, University of Guelph’s Michael Steele...

Researchers and farmers alike are uncovering benefits of pair or group housing for calves, from cognitive learning, behavioral flexibility, adaptability, and resilience to stress

Horns on cattle were a natural part of farm life for most operations, but around the 1960s, producers realized that removing these horns makes for a much safer and easier working environment

Wagner Farms in Oconto Falls, Wis., had a 0% death loss in their calves last year. For anyone that has worked with animals, this is the ultimate goal, but sometimes incredibly difficult to achieve

At one time, the most respected group of bovine veterinarians on the continent lumped dehorning and castration together with comingled guidelines

Okay, I’m going to be honest here. I have never raised calves in my life. Yes, I know that’s a crazy notion for some, but it’s the truth

The preweaning period of a calf’s life is not only important for its health and growth down the road, it’s also indicative of its behavior and ability to adapt to new situations

People often compare group housed calves to small children in daycare — when one gets sick, they all get sick