Improving calf health with an integrated management protocol
Improving calf health using an integrated management protocol ensured a reduction of antibiotic treatments on farm and an increase in milk production in the long-term.
Last updated on March 24th, 2023
In collaboration with MSD Animal Health
Why does it matter?
Employing good calf management practices on farm is crucial to ensure a healthy and productive herd in the long-term. The project’s objective was to improve the overall management of calves on farm, to prevent the onset of diarrhea in calves and to reduce use of antibiotic treatments.
How did we solve this?
We introduced an integrated calf management protocol, focusing on calf feeding, housing and health care. For instance, particular attention was paid to the amount of colostrum fed after birth: 200g of lgG (equivalent to 3-4L of good quality colostrum) was fed to calves within 6 hours of calving.
After one year of implementing this management protocol, we reduced the incidence of diarrhea in calves to 0%, leading to a significant reduction in calf mortality. We were also able to lower the use of antibiotic treatments in calves. We also observed the average daily weight gain in calves improved to 200g/day, leading to an increase in milk production (+310 kg) during the first lactation. All of these improvements led to an increase in farm revenue, due to reduced illness, and therefore increased productivity.
Opportunities for other farms?
Ensuring calf health is a global challenge in the dairy sector. This best practice can be replicated on all dairy farms raising calves on farm.
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