Calf health is an important consideration for dairy farmers. Disease impacts the health and welfare of calves and links to production, health and longevity of these calves as adult animals.

By prioritizing proper ventilation system design and operation, you can successfully house your calves indoors without compromising their health.

Combating the pathogen that causes scours, providing for the calf's physiological demands (hydration, energy and acid/base balance) and restoring intestinal health are the three main objectives of calf scours therapy.

Looking at return over feed numbers is an excellent way to get a quick snapshot of how a dairy farm is performing from a production and cost standpoint, however it doesn’t account for and is not impacted by duration of cows in the herd.

An automated ventilation system, larger pens and automated feeders have contributed to healthier calves at Hammond Farms.

When trying to understand the impact scours can have, producers often overlook many variables, including what happens to a calf that got sick but recovered.

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.

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.

Beef-on-dairy calves are an investment. These calves should be treated just as well as a heifer calf that will be raised for the dairy. A poor-quality, unhealthy calf not only hurts your bottom line, it also jeopardizes your reputation as a quality calf supplier.