When we look at calf health statistics for the U.S. dairy industry, it’s clear we have room for improvement. Data from the USDA’s National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) has calculated the national morbidity rate for female dairy calves at 34% and mortality at 5%, with digestive disease or scours as the leading cause of both sickness and death.

A healthier herd. It’s a simple-sounding concept that’s proven difficult in practice. Finding genetics that resist routine pathogens across environments on dairy farms has been a focus of the industry over the last 10 years

Morbidity and mortality in cattle haven’t improved over time, even though more vaccines are available, educational materials are easier to find and the industry has provided incentives to improve health with value-added programs.

When determining the health of your herd, you probably rely primarily on external factors: evaluating body condition and looking for symptoms of illness or signs of injury. However, when it comes to overall cattle health, it’s vital to remember that what’s on the inside is just as important as what you can see on the outside.