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Color Coded Calf Rearing- Colostrum is Key

Color Coded Calf Rearing- Colostrum is Key

Colostrum is a secretion of the mammary gland. It is produced in the final stage of pregnancy and in the first days after calving. Colostrum is a superfood designed to provide the calf with necessary nutrients, biologically active ingredients, and immune enhancing properties.

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What do a Black Mamba, Chicken Eggs and Covid-19 have to do with Calf Diarrhea?

What do a Black Mamba, Chicken Eggs and Covid-19 have to do with Calf Diarrhea?

In the early day’s farmers would feed an egg in the milk for calves with scours. The chickens roamed the farm looking for food and at the same time were exposed to various pathogens. Once the chickens were exposed to a pathogen, they naturally produce an antibody to fight that disease. Individual chickens vary in their ability to produce antibodies. 

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Critical Firsts for the Newborn Calf

Critical Firsts for the Newborn Calf

Once the calf is born the clock starts ticking!  Swiftness in caring for the new baby is essential to reduce stress, reduce pathogen load, and aid IgG absorption. Here are few things that need to be done within the first hour of a calves life.

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3 Key Management Areas for a Successful Transition

3 Key Management Areas for a Successful Transition

More than 35% of all dairy cattle have at least 1 clinical disease event in the first 90 days of their lactation. It is important to have a solid protocol in place for transition cows to aid them in the onset of milk production, and help them maintain good health. 

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Decoding Diarrhea-Coccidiosis

Decoding Diarrhea-Coccidiosis

Coccidiosis is a protozoan parasite that may produce clinical symptoms in calves from 1 month to 1 year of age. The major damage to calves is the result of the rapid multiplication of the parasite in the intestinal wall and the subsequent rupture of the cells of the intestinal lining. Several stages of multiplication occur before the final stage, the oocyst (egg), is passed in the feces. Oocysts are extremely resistant to environmental stress and are difficult to remove from the environment completely. Oocysts must undergo a final process called sporulation before they are infective again. Oocysts frequently contaminate feed and water. When the sporulated oocysts are ingested by calves, they start their life cycle over in the new host. In mild cases, calves only have watery diarrhea, but in most cases, blood is present in the feces. Straining, along with rapid dehydration, weight loss and anorexia (off feed), may be evident.

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