Understanding the fundamentals of vaccination helps optimize the return on your vaccine investments and ensure calves are prepared for the challenges they’ll face.

That newborn calf looks pretty helpless nestled down in that clean, fresh straw. But don’t let looks deceive. She’s a powerhouse of genetics and opportunity just waiting to demonstrate her potential.

In recent years, dairy producers and industry experts have put more emphasis on providing dairy calves with high-quality, timely colostrum to maximize passive transfer of immunity.

Due to improvements in reproductive efficiencies, dairies can now be more selective in raising future herd replacements. This elevates the importance of reducing preventable diseases such as scours or diarrhea in newborn calves.

“I think, done the right way and with proper management all the way through, these calves are better than the native beef,” said Dan Dorn.

Managing dairy calves is truly an art form. The first few weeks of a calf’s life are imperative to how productive that calf will be as an adult, from increased milk during its first lactation to achieving its full genetic potential.

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.

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.

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.