Latest Newsletter

Calf health — page 3

A genetic defect was discovered last year as a cause of muscle weakness (calf recumbency) in Holstein calves.
Calf health, Cow health, Dairy, Genetics, Livestock

Carrier status for two dairy defects available soon

Lactanet will publish evaluations for defects affecting Holstein and Brown Swiss

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Lactanet says dairy producers will soon have access to genetic information on tested bulls and females that carry the defect for muscle weakness (Holsteins) and the BH14 haplotype (Brown Swiss). Why it matters: To prevent potential spread of the fatal defects, breeders must avoid mating two recessive carrier-status animals. Dr. Allyson Fleming, a geneticist with […] Read more
Calves fed colostrum for longer have higher weight gain than those feed minimal colostrum.
Calf health, Dairy

Extended colostrum feeding can improve calf health

Calves fed colostrum for up to 14 days after birth had better weight gain and reduced disease

This was first published by Dairy at Guelph. Feeding enough high-quality colostrum soon after birth is critical for calf health and has long-term effects on their performance. But could there be benefits of feeding colostrum after passive transfer of antibodies is expected to occur? That’s what a recent study by Prof. Michael Steele and MSc. […] Read more
Keeping the calf off cold, wet concrete is another important factor in minimizing cold stress.
Calf health, Dairy

Taking the bite out of cold-weather livestock care

Strategies for keeping calves warm and healthy

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The youngest calves on the farm are the most sensitive to different environmental temperatures. In the case of cold weather and falling temperatures, producers can have problems managing morbidity, mortality and suboptimal growth rates, says Dr. Sarah Morrison, a research scientist with the William H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute in Chazy, N.Y. She was the […] Read more
Colostrum feeding is important to calf health, with effects into first lactation.
Calf health, Dairy

Colostrum has value for sick calves

Colostrum testing and feeding frequency has risen on Canadian dairy farms

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Researchers say Canadian dairy farmers are doing a better job of getting colostrum to their calves and measuring to make sure those calves have absorbed enough to create passive immunity. Now they are pushing the boundaries further on uses for colostrum and finding value in feeding transition milk. Why it matters: Heifers that don’t receive […] Read more
A genetic defect has recently been discovered as a cause of calf recumbency.
Calf health, Dairy, Genetics, Livestock, News

U.S. researchers uncover emerging Holstein genetic defect

Affected recumbency calves unable to stand after birth

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The North American dairy breeding sector is providing early-stage advice to protect herds against a newly discovered and potentially fatal genetic defect affecting Holstein calves. The first official word on the defect, currently referred to as calf recumbency, came through a joint news release on April 3 from the U.S.-based Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding […] Read more
Researchers want to know how technology, such as artificial intelligence, can help improve animal care.
Calf health, Cow health, Dairy, Genetics, News

New research will look at dairy welfare and technology

The use of artificial intelligence to help farmers improve dairy animal care will be studied on Ontario and Quebec farms

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A new research collaboration at McGill University and the University of Quebec in Montreal will explore the role of artificial intelligence in promoting dairy cattle welfare. The project aims to create “a digital living lab to link animal welfare and dairy farms’ profitability.” Why it matters: An updated Code of Practice for the Care and […] Read more
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Calf health, Cow health, Livestock, News

Increasing veterinary capacity in Ontario to receive $15 million in funding

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To help address veterinary shortages in rural and northern communities, the Ontario government is investing more than $15 million to establish anew Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program with the University of Guelph and Lakehead University. The government is also providing grants to new veterinary graduates as an incentive to work in underserviced areas in […] Read more
Salmonella infections are becoming more common in dairy calves and we occasionally see outbreaks in beef calves too.
Calf health

Livestock producers must watch for zoonotic diseases

Several diseases can be easily passed from animals to humans

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Cryptosporidia and giardia are two intestinal parasites that can cause diarrhea in people and calves. These parasites are single-celled organisms (and Cryptosporidium is a common cause of diarrhea in both beef and dairy calves under one month old. Young children, pregnant woman and immune-compromised adults who are infected can have severe diarrhea and abdominal pain. […] Read more
Since 2012, Salmonella Dublin has been detected on nearly 80 premises in Ontario, and the infection has shifted from mainly infecting veal facilities to infecting dairy farms. The symptoms are typically septicemia (fever and depression) and continual pneumonia.
Calf health

Salmonella Dublin poses serious risks in cattle and humans

Infection classed as “emerging disease” in Ontario

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For cattle farmers who see a spike in calf mortality but not the typical diarrhea that accompanies common bacterial infections, Quebec-based veterinarian Dr. Frédéric Beaulac says Salmonella Dublin should be top of mind. And if there is an outbreak, it could be a long road to recovery for the farm. Why it matters: Salmonella Dublin […] Read more

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