News

Setting goals can be an overwhelming task to undertake. You may not know where to start, and that’s ok. Take a look at your records from the past year and see if you are measuring up to the DCHA Gold Standards. Pick one area where your farm has the ability to improve...

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The immune system is an intricate network of specific immune cells and proteins that work together to protect the animal from foreign invaders and harmful toxic materials found in the environment...

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Veal is meat produced from calves about 500 pounds and 6 months of age. Veal is a light pink color and a good source of key nutrients like protein, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, niacin, riboflavin, zinc, selenium, and choline.    History Veal has been enjoyed for centuries because of its tender and delicious flavor.  Eating the meat from young calves is referenced frequently in the Bible. The “fatted calf” was regarded as the most choice of all meats. Romans also enjoyed veal and the consumption spread throughout early Europe.  Austrians and Italians create wiener schnitzel- a popular dish made with veal...

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We have a real treat in store for today’s blog! Jenna Facer, Calf and Young Heifer Manager, shares how she has developed an acidified milk feeding program on the farm she currently works on. Jenna grew up next to grandparents who owned a 70 cow Holstein dairy. She was involved in 4-H and had the opportunity to milk for a neighboring 100 cow dairy down the road.  When her grandparents sold their cows in 2003, she knew she still wanted to be involved in dairy production. So, she went to Virginia Tech and got a degree in Dairy Science. After...

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Recently, I had the opportunity to try out some new technology. I had the chance to use the D2Dx unit from Nano Discovery. This unit measures immune parameters in the blood of the animal to assess the level of protection they might have against disease. I see potential in this unit providing information to help producers make informed treatment and nutrition management decisions.   Historical Background NAHMS health data from the past 20+ years has shown little change in disease incidence in dairy calves. Improvements in animal health will come as we understand more about the immune system and how...

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