CALVES & HEIFERS

The crude protein (CP) concentrations and sources used in calf starters and growers are frequently questioned and debated today.

Puberty in dairy heifers can be defined as a measurable increase in blood progesterone with the presence of a corpus luteum (CL) on an ovary, and heifers begin actively cycling.

You’ve probably heard or read it 100 times or more – cows love consistency.

Cold temperatures are here and winter is quickly approaching. As temperatures drop, calf barns are closed up and the ventilation rates are turned down. As an industry we do this reflexively, but is it what’s best for the calves?

The dairy industry has seen a large trend towards high-level milk feeding programs for calves in the past decade. This has allowed producers to realize the growth potential of young animals and improve welfare.

Several different forms of animal monitoring equipment have been developed and adopted by dairy producers for use in lactating animals. Some of these same technologies have been put to use in other areas around the farm and it begs the question, “Does video surveillance have a place in the calf barn?”