In this episode, David Mathes with DBC Ag Products, shares his tips for raising healthy, fast-growing calves. David discusses how to stay in front of calf health with proactive calf care.

Ranchers have so much invested in the genetics and in the long process of getting that live calf on the ground that we want to do everything we can to protect that investment. Let’s look at how to give our young calves the best possible start.

Bovine viral diarrhea virus, or BVDV, is one of the most frequent diseases dealt with in cattle, in all sectors of the industry.

Neonatal diarrhea, or calf scours, is one of the costliest diseases in the cattle business and is responsible for more mortalities in calves under 1 month old than any other disease.

There are a few things you as a producer can do to help increase the odds that your calves will overcome calfhood diarrhea.

Most folks think summertime is typically a time to relax for cattle owners. If we’ve had sufficient rain and grass is good, we can turn cows out and not worry too much except to check water, fences and put out summer mineral. However, there are a few calf diseases that can change those plans.

It’s never too early to think about a calf’s respiratory health. The steps producers take this spring with young calves not only help protect them through grazing season, but can help prepare the calves for a more complete immune response with preweaning and weaning booster vaccinations.

This year it is important for ranchers to prepare for upcoming changes to the rules regarding purchasing medically important antibiotics.