Transition Housing for Heifers

Introduction

Calves that have completed the weaning process are ready for their first experience with group housing. The stress associated with being weaned is over, and their immune system is now more developed.

This provides an opportune time to combine calves of similar size and age into small groups to continue their development and increase labor efficiency. Initial grouping of calves begins the socialization process which can cause anxiety, thus resulting in the need for frequent observation. Limited competition at …

August 16, 2019August 16, 2019

Newborn Housing for Dairy Calves

Introduction

Dairy producers know the importance of getting a fresh cow off to a good start in her lactation. A considerable effort is made to ensure that she is given the utmost opportunity to consume feed and water and that all of her environmental needs are met. Production and profitability can pivot on the first few weeks of her lactation. Similarly, but not with immediate payback, calves need to be given a good start in life to ensure they will …

August 16, 2019August 16, 2019

Technology & Nutritional Needs of Milk-Fed Calves

Introduction

In the United States, as well as other parts of the world, calves are fed using various nutrition plans and feeding systems to meet the growth, performance, and economic goals of the calf producer. Nutrition plans and feeding systems range from the traditional 1 pound per day of a 20% protein/20% fat milk replacer to 4 to 6 pounds per day of 22 to 28% protein and 18 to 14% fat milk replacer to other feeding levels of …

August 16, 2019August 16, 2019

Pasteurizing Milk and Colostrum

1 Introduction
2 Choosing a liquid feeding program: whole milk or commercial milk replacer?
3 Pasteurizing non-saleable milk to reduce risk of pathogen transmission
4 Calf performance and economics when feeding pasteurized non-saleable milk
5 Considerations for successful use of on-farm pasteurization systems
6 Heat-treating colostrum
7 Summary
8 Author Information
9 References

Introduction

Professional heifer growers and dairy producers are faced with the challenge of …

August 16, 2019August 16, 2019

Using Bleach as a Germicide for Manual Washing Feeding Equipment

Introduction

Nearly everyone is familiar with “bleach.” Technically, bleach is a water-based solution of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl in water). The most common form is household strength dilution. It varies from 5.25 to 6 percent by weight of the active ingredient. Commercial supplies are available in the 12 to 15 percent dilution range. This strength is frequently used to sanitize bulk tanks and milking systems on dairy farms. The national brand best known in this product is Clorox®. Much like other …

August 16, 2019August 16, 2019

Feeding Pre-Weaned Calves for Future Production

1 Introduction
2 Nutrient Requirements
3 Conventional versus Accelerated Feeding Systems
4 Benefits of Accelerated Early Nutrition
5 Conclusions
6 References
7 Author Information

Introduction

Traditional goals of calf-rearing programs have centered on decreasing mortality and weaning to solid feeds as early as practically feasible on farms. Little thought has been …

August 16, 2019August 16, 2019

Raising Dairy Replacements:Calf Nutrition

Calf Nutrition is a chapter from the book Raising Dairy Replacements.

From birth to three months of age is the most sensitive rearing period for the
young calf. With biological, environmental, and nutritional stressors, the
success of this first rearing phase depends on calf managers paying special
attention to detail. Among the most important is establishing a sound calf
nutrition program.

Please check this link first if you are interested in organic or specialty dairy production

Chester-Jones, Hugh and …

August 16, 2019August 16, 2019

Application of New Technologies in Functional Proteins for Feeding Calves

1 Introduction
2 Mechanisms of Spray-Dried Plasma
3 Influence of SDP on Intestinal Inflammation and Gut Barrier Maintenance
4 Spray-Dried Plasma and Productive Functions of Calves
5 References
6 Table
7 Author Information

Introduction

Spray-dried plasma (SDP), spray-dried serum (SDS), or globulin concentrate are ingredients that are collected and processed to preserve the functional characteristics of the proteins. These functional proteins (spray-dried plasma, serum, or globulin …

August 16, 2019August 16, 2019

Dairy Calf and Dairy Heifer Management

Introduction

Well-grown dairy calves and heifers play an important role in the future success of all dairy farms. Being able to efficiently raise replacement dairy heifers or create an effective working relationship with a contracted dairy heifer grower is crucial to raising replacements that improve the performance of the dairy herd for years to come.

Choose one of the following subcategories to view in-depth articles and fact sheets about dairy calf and dairy heifer management.

Calf and Heifer Management Videos

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August 16, 2019August 16, 2019

Economic Issues Associated with Raising Dairy Replacements

Introduction

Cost of production is a key indicator of competitiveness. This is especially true in the dairy farm industry, where a manager must use input efficiency and resulting cost control to generate profit. There is no single method to calculate cost of production. Farm management consultants, university extension personnel, industry analysts, government economists, and farm managers all may have a unique, preferred method to calculate cost of production. The variation across farms with regard to enterprise mix, production technology, labor …

Tag: calf and heifer management

Transition Housing for Heifers

Introduction

Newborn Housing for Dairy Calves

Introduction

Technology & Nutritional Needs of Milk-Fed Calves

Introduction

Pasteurizing Milk and Colostrum

Contents

Introduction

Using Bleach as a Germicide for Manual Washing Feeding Equipment

Introduction

Feeding Pre-Weaned Calves for Future Production

Contents

Introduction

Raising Dairy Replacements:Calf Nutrition

Application of New Technologies in Functional Proteins for Feeding Calves

Contents

Introduction

Dairy Calf and Dairy Heifer Management

Introduction

Calf and Heifer Management Videos

Economic Issues Associated with Raising Dairy Replacements

Introduction