Group housing may be the most cost-effective option for tailoring calf nutrition to stage of growth. Why it matters: The veal and dairy industries continue to weigh the pros and cons of individual versus group calf housing, and studies could tip the scales toward group housing. Attendees at the virtual edition of the Healthy Calf […] Read more
Tag Archives dairy calves
Group housing gives insight into tailored calf diets
Partnered calves had greater dry matter consumption than singles
Respiratory diseases in young livestock have lasting effects
Prevention starts with living environment and vaccinations
Respiratory diseases are most common in calves during the post-wean period and they can have long-term effects. Why it matters: Respiratory diseases are extremely common on dairy farms, although they are simple to prevent. They can have lasting effects on cattle up to their first lactation. Dr. Dave Renaud presented ways to prevent respiratory diseases […] Read more
Pessimistic calves at a disadvantage
Researchers have discovered that some calves are more fearful than others, which can have implications for future health
Some cattle are more fearful than others. It’s a universal truth confirmed by anyone who has handled cattle herds. But fearfulness is connected to pessimism, says University of British Columbia PhD student Benjamin Lecorps. His research on 22 Holstein dairy calves has shown that some animals are inherently more pessimistic than others, and that trait […] Read more
Ultrasound can detect lung problems in dairy calves earlier
Dairy calves that experience respiratory ailments produce less milk later on
Thanks to the use of new ultrasound technology, there’s now solid evidence out of the University of Guelph indicating the level of non-clinical lung infections among dairy calves is on par with what has already been seen in the beef sector. Why it matters: A member of the team involved in the dairy calf study, […] Read more