Calf nutrition and care are paramount to the future success of a dairy operation. However, we often take a straightforward approach – only for growth and development – but do not realize the larger impact it can have on the calves' genetic potential and their ability to be optimal calves that will later become productive milk cows.

Calf hydration isn’t just for hot weather. A year-round plan for feeding water and electrolytes can help calves stay healthy and productive through all seasons and temperatures. Water is key to hydration and for calves, has major effects on starter intake, rumen development and overall health.

There is no doubting that colostrum management is essential in early life to achieve transfer of passive immunity. In fact, if calves achieve passive immunity, they will have a lower risk of developing diarrhea.

An automatic calf feeder is a great tool for many calf programs. As with any piece of equipment, management is a key contributor to the success or failure of your autofeeder.

If bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is a challenge on your dairy, you’re not alone. BRD remains the number two killer of pre-weaned calves and is the primary cause of death in weaned calves.

If the wide array of mycotoxins present in our dairy feed can have such an extreme impact on cow health and production, then we can assume they can also impact the growth, performance and health of calves and heifers.

Custom calf ranches and heifer growers are becoming more common as dairy farmers look to alleviate pressure with feed and labor. According to the 2014 NAHMS, approximately 35% of heifers in the U.S. are raised at locations off the farm where they were born.

These simple measures of individual tool boxes, pre-measured supplies, checklists to track information, ice water to quickly cool colostrum and leg bands to identify feedings are easy, low-cost ways Birchen Farms implemented to not only improve cow and calf health but also the work environment in one of the farm’s most demanding areas – the just-in-time calving barn.