With the arrival of cold weather comes the increased threat of bovine respiratory disease (BRD), or calfhood pneumonia, that often comes with it. Having a plan to prevent, diagnose and treat this common yet serious disease is key to help protect your dairy’s future.

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.

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.

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.

Calving is a stressful time for all cattle but especially for heifers. The entire experience is new to them and, on top of that, most heifers haven’t reached mature weight by the time they calve.

Cryptosporidiosis is a disease of calves caused by the protozoal parasite Cryptosporidium parvum. It is common in cattle. 

While a “good enough” mindset might work in some areas, it does not work in the calf program, where clear protocols are key to achieving excellence.

Iron status is a classic study point to the importance of mineral and vitamin nutrition for young calves. It has been reported approximately 20% of neonatal calves experience iron deficiency anemia.