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

When calves bloat, it can be frustrating to handle and confusing to further prevent. But controlling feeding procedures to be consistent and accurate is your best protection, pinpointed Brian Miller, D.V.M.,...

Young calves are the most fragile asset a dairy producer has. We know that a calf’s value later in life as a profitable milk cow is largely impacted by her early development, but maintaining a successful...

It’s been said many times before, but we’ll say it again. No matter the operation, a healthy start at birth for a calf will continuously prepare it to be an efficient, profitable cow

The navel cord provides a lifeline between the dam and its calf during gestation

In the last several decades, cow cooling, particularly in the lactating pens, has become common on many farms. When hot comes to humid and milk production drops, it’s not hard to justify heat abatement...