Boosting newborn calf health for enhanced farm profitability

By Scout Nelson

Ensuring the health and vigor of newborn calves is pivotal for the economic success of cow-calf operations. The journey to robust calf health starts even before birth, with comprehensive prenatal care for the dam.

Nutrition plays a critical role, as gestating cows require sufficient nutrients to support both their maintenance and the fetus's growth. Ideal body condition scores of 5.5 to 6.0 on a 1-9 scale are recommended to promote higher calf vigor and reduce calving difficulties.

The first step post-calving is ensuring calves receive colostrum within the first four hours of life. Colostrum, rich in nutrients, immunity factors, hormones, and growth agents, is crucial for the newborn's early development and disease resistance. The window for optimal absorption of these crucial immunoglobins by the calf narrows quickly after birth.

Early detection of health issues is another cornerstone of successful calf rearing. Identifying signs of illness early on enables timely intervention, significantly increasing the chances of recovery. This proactive approach not only benefits the affected calf but also informs better management and treatment protocols for future calves.

Scours, or neonatal calf diarrhea, remains a significant threat in the first month of a calf's life. While improvements in management practices have enhanced survival rates, preventive measures are still more cost-effective and less labor-intensive than treatment after the fact.

Key strategies to prevent scours include maintaining a clean calving environment, ensuring timely colostrum intake, and vaccinating cows in the last trimester against common pathogens.

By adhering to these principles—prenatal cow care, prompt colostrum feeding, careful health monitoring, and proactive scours prevention—farmers can significantly improve the health, growth, and overall performance of their calves, setting the stage for a more prosperous and productive operation.

Photo Credit - gettyimages-katie-ellement