real herds…real heifers
TRANSCRIPT
![Page 1: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Real Herds…Real Heifers Ways to Optimizing Calf Health
Tina Kohlman, Dairy & Livestock Agent UWExtension Sheboygan County
World Dairy Expo and The Babcock Institute's International Dairy Short Course
Monday, September 29, 2008 Concourse Hotel, Madison, Wisconsin
2008 by the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, doing business as the Division of Cooperative Extension of the University of WisconsinExtension
![Page 2: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
¡ Provides high quality replacements for improving genetic progress.
¡ Heifer raising is the second largest expenditure on the dairy farm.
Heifers…An Investment in the Future Dairy Herd
![Page 3: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
What defines a successful calf raising program?
Calves are alive Calves are healthy
Calves are growing well
![Page 4: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
Calf Mortality Percent of heifer calf deaths
7.8
4.3
5.3
1.7
1.6
22.5
56.5
Preweaned
14.6 Other Unknown
9.9 Other known
Calving problems
12.8 Lameness or injury
1.0 Joint or navel problems
46.5 Respiratory problems
12.6 Scours, diarrhea
Weaned Cause of Death
Source: USDA National Animal Health Monitoring System, June 2003
7.8 % average death loss in unweaned calves Goal for death loss
should be
less than 5%
![Page 5: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
Building Better Heifers
Failures Failures Successes Successes
Pneumonia Pneumonia Scours Scours Days on Days on milk milk Death Death
Live Calf Live Calf Healthy Healthy Growing Growing
Colostrum Colostrum Sanitation Sanitation Isolation Isolation
Environment Environment Nutrition Nutrition
Immunization Immunization Medication Medication
![Page 6: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
Focus on Calf Health It Start’s on Day 1
¡ Colostrum ¡ Pathogen Control ¡ Nutrition ¡ Housing
![Page 7: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
Calves are born without an immune system.
Immune function is passed from the cow to the calf via proteins (immunoglobulins) in the colostrum.
Immunoglobulins are diseasespecific and therefore must be robust.
Intestine Colostrum
IgG, IgA
Blood IgG, IgA
Disease Close in 24 h
Passive Transfer – 101
Source: Pat Hoffman, UWExtension Dairy Replacement Specialist, 2005
![Page 8: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
Colostrum Absorption (within 2 hours of birth)
Blood vessel
Intestinal tract
IgG
Source: Steve Hayes, Technical Veterinary Services, APC
![Page 9: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
Colostrum Absorption (~4 hours of age)
Blood vessel
Intestinal tract
IgG
Source: Steve Hayes, Technical Veterinary Services, APC
![Page 10: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
Colostrum Absorption (~10 hours of age)
Blood vessel
Intestinal tract
IgG
Source: Steve Hayes, Technical Veterinary Services, APC
![Page 11: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
Colostrum Absorption (~16 hours of age)
Blood vessel
Intestinal tract
IgG
Source: Steve Hayes, Technical Veterinary Services, APC
![Page 12: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
Colostrum Absorption (after 24 hours of age)
Blood vessel
Intestinal tract
IgG
Source: Steve Hayes, Technical Veterinary Services, APC
![Page 13: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
Protecting Your Calf
Source= Calf
Total Antibody
Source= Colostrum
Blood antibodies
Age in Weeks Source: Steve Hayes, Technical Veterinary Services, APC
![Page 14: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
Achieving Passive Immunity:
The 3 Q’s of Colostrum
Management
¡ Quantity ¡ Quality ¡ Quickly
![Page 15: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
Quantity How much colostrum is fed?
40.1 30.9 4 quarts or more
43.1 45.8 More than 2 quarts but less than 4 quarts
16.8 23.3 2 quarts or less
% Heifer Calves*
% Operations
Amount
*Born during 2006 and alive at 48 hours Source: USDA APHIS 2007 NAHMS
![Page 16: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
Quantity More is Better!
6.5 26 4 to 5 qts
9.9 16 3 to 4 qts
15.3 18 1 to 2 qts
% Mortality
# herds
Amount of Colostrum Fed
Source: Hugh ChesterJones, University of MN, 2003
![Page 17: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
How is colostrum fed?
0.2 0.2 Did not receive colostrum
13.7 4.3 Handfed using esophageal feeder
59.6 59.2 Handfed with bucket or bottle
26.5 36.3 During first nursing of dam
% Heifer Calves*
% Operations
Delivery Method
*Born during 2006 and alive at 48 hours Source: USDA APHIS 2007 NAHMS
![Page 18: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
Percent of Operations that Evaluated Colostrum Quality
13.0 45.2 19.8 7.6
All Operations
Large (500 or
more cows)
Medium (100499 cows)
Small (Fewer than 100 cows)
Herd Size (Number of Cows)
USDA APHIS 2007 NAHMS
![Page 19: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
Testing Colostrum Quality
5.0 Other
9.7 Volume of first milking (pounds)
41.6 Visual Appearance
43.7 Colostrometer
Percent Operations Primary Method
USDA APHIS 2007 NAHMS
![Page 20: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
Colostrum quality
Good
Poor
Moderate
> 50 g/L
< 20 g/L
2050 g/L
![Page 21: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
IgG Levels and Calf Performance
$6.20 $7.70 $7.40 $9.85 $12.50 Veterinary Costs, dollars
4 3 7 11 33 Mortality, percent
4.0 5.0 4.7 6.1 8.7 Scour, days
1.9 2.0 2.5 2.6 2.9 Feed conversion, pounds feed per pound gain
0.92 0.90 0.85 0.81 0.73 4Week Gain, pounds per day
>25 1625 1115 510 05 Serum Ig, mg/mL
176 195 126 85 51 Number of Calves
Excellent Good Average Fair Poor Item
Passive Transfer
Source: Data adapted from M.A. Fowler, 19999 PDHGA Proceedings, by P.C. Hoffman, University of Wisconsin
![Page 22: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
Operations that Monitor for Passive Transfer
2.1 All Operations
14.5 Large (500 or more cows)
2.4 Medium (100 to 499 cows)
1.1 Small (Fewer than 100 cows
% of Operations
Herd Size (Number of Cows)
![Page 23: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
Factors affecting colostrum quality
¡ Dam’s age ¡ Disease history ¡ Pathogen exposure ¡ Prepartum milking ¡ Leaking of milk from udder prior to calving
¡ Pooling of colostrum
![Page 24: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
When do calves receive their first colostrum feeding?
2.8 hours 3.3 hours 3.4 hours
Large (500 or more
cows)
Medium (100499 cows)
Small Less than 100
cows
Herd Size (Number of Cows)
USDA APHIS 2007 NAHMS
![Page 25: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
Timing is Everything!
¡ Lose 5% of immunoglobuli n absorption every hour
¡0% absorption by 24 hours
![Page 26: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/26.jpg)
Importance of Colostrum
¡ Studies have shown failure of passive transfer l Increased calf morbidity and mortality
l Reduced calf growth rate and efficiency
l Decreased first and second location milk production in heifers
USDA APHIS 2007 NAHMS
![Page 27: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
Colostrum…the key to calf health
¡ Be prepared to feed colostrum 24 hours per day, 365 days per year l Use Fresh Colostrum l Have Colostrum Replacer Available l Have Frozen Colostrum Available l Have Refrigerated Colostrum Available
¡ Treat colostrum like gold!
![Page 28: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/28.jpg)
Storing Method of Colostrum
56.8 11.8 45.8 64.8 Not Stored
28.2 34.7 36.2 24.8 Stored in Freezer
11.1 50.5 15.2 6.0 Stored in refrigerator
3.9 3.0 2.8 4.4 Stored without refrigeration
All Operations
Large (500 or
more cows)
Medium (100499 cows)
Small (Fewer than 100 cows)
Primary Method
Percent of Operations by Herd Size
![Page 29: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/29.jpg)
Manage Colostrum…Intensively
¡ Harvest clean colostrum immediately ¡ Avoid using colostrum from cows that are milked prefresh/leaked
¡ Discard colostrum contaminated with mastitis and blood
¡ Avoid pooling colostrum ¡ Do not store colostrum at room temperature
¡ Use a Colostrometer® to exclude poor colostrum
Before feeding………….
![Page 30: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/30.jpg)
Manage Colostrum…Intensively
¡ Use sanitary equipment (gloves) ¡ Feed 34 quarts within 13 hours of birth ¡ Feed 2 quarts of colostrum 10 to 12 hours after birth
¡ Use a tube feeder if necessary ¡ Use a colostrum replacer when necessary ¡ Excess colostrum:
l Immediately divide into small portions to enhance cooling
l Refrigerate if to be used within 5 days l Freeze excess high quality colostrum for future needs
At Feeding………….
![Page 31: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/31.jpg)
…If colostrum is limited
¡ Never mix colostrum supplement or replacement products with colostrum
¡ If using colostrum supplement/replacement, feed colostrum first, then feed replacement 2 hours later
![Page 32: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/32.jpg)
Focus on Calf Health It Start’s on Day 1
¡ Colostrum ¡ Pathogen Control ¡ Nutrition ¡ Housing
![Page 33: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/33.jpg)
Disease on the Calf Operation
IMMUNITY
(Calf’s ability to fight off disease)
PATHOGEN LOAD
(Number of disease causing bacteria and viruses presented to
the calf) vs.
![Page 34: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/34.jpg)
How Diseases Spread to Your Herd
Susceptible Animals
Contact with Affected Animals
Contact with Manure, Milk, Blood or Tissue from Affected Animals
OnFarm Sources OffFarm
Sources
Infected humans ? Contact with
![Page 35: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/35.jpg)
Minimizing Transmission of Infectious Disease
¡ On Farm Sources Feeding waste milk Contaminated calving pens
Contact between healthy and sick cows
Farm personnel work practices
Feed contaminated with manure
![Page 36: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/36.jpg)
Isolation of sick calves
¡ Isolate calves: l Air l Water l Feed
![Page 37: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/37.jpg)
Isolate calf from cow (To avoid dam to calf disease transfer…)
¡ Nose dive into bedded pack (E. coli)
¡ Sucking on cow’s (manureladen) brisket, belly, legs or teats (E.coli)
¡ Ingestion of contaminated colostrum (Multiple diseases)
¡ Remove calf before it can stand up
![Page 38: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/38.jpg)
Time Operations Removed Calf From Dam
56% 15%
22%
Immediately
After nursing but less than 12 hours 12 to 24 hours after birth More than 24 hours after birth
7.3%
USDA APHIS 2007 NAHMS
![Page 39: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/39.jpg)
Time with Cow Increases Mortality
14.4 35 48+ hrs
20.5 24 2548 hrs
10.7 32 1324 hrs
9.3 35 712 hrs
5.2 13 26 hrs
% Mortality # herds
Time with dam after birth
Source: Hugh ChesterJones, University of MN, 2003
![Page 40: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/40.jpg)
Immediately Separate Calves from Dam
¡ Allowing calf to acquire colostrum directly from the dam at first nursing presents problems: l Increase risk calf does not receive adequate amount of colostrum
l Impossible to estimate quantity of antibodies and quality of colostrum ingested
l Increase risk of disease transmission via “manure meals”
![Page 41: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/41.jpg)
Restriction of Movement ¡Do visitors wear disposable plastic boots?
¡Do visitors wash boots prior to going into barn or before leaving the farm?
¡Visitors may be bringing in new diseases onto your farm from places they have been previously.
![Page 42: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/42.jpg)
Sanitation ¡ Sanitation is critical to breaking the disease cycle!
¡ Sanitation breaks ¡ Disinfect l Choose the right disinfectant for the job
l Thoroughly clean boots before applying disinfectant
l Read and follow the label
![Page 43: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/43.jpg)
Milk House – Cleaning
![Page 44: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/44.jpg)
Frequency of Cleaning and Disinfection of Bottle, Buckets & Nipples
3.2 2.2 1.4 3.8 Monthly
7.5 5.6 6.6 8.0 Other
6.4 1.2 5.2 7.0 Weekly
58.5 51.8 55.9 59.8 Daily
24.4 39.1 30.9 21.4 Between Calves
All Operations
Large (500 or more cows)
Medium (100499 cows)
Small (Fewer than 100 cows)
Frequency
Percent of Operations by Herd Size
USDA APHIS 2007 NAHMS
![Page 45: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/45.jpg)
Keep Everything Clean and Dry Feeding Equipment Storage
![Page 46: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/46.jpg)
Sanitation and Calf Housing All in –all out vs. continuous flow?
![Page 47: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/47.jpg)
Focus on Calf Health It Start’s on Day 1
¡ Colostrum ¡ Pathogen Control ¡ Nutrition ¡ Housing
![Page 48: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/48.jpg)
Goals in Cal f Nutrition
• Health
• Growing
• Rumen Development
![Page 49: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/49.jpg)
Question… ¡ Is a new born calf a ruminant or a monogastric animal?
She is a monogastric animal.
![Page 50: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/50.jpg)
Calf versus Adult Rumen
Calf 0.5 : 1 Volume Ratio Rumen : Abomasum
Adult 10:1 Volume Ratio Rumen : Abomasum
![Page 51: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/51.jpg)
Provide Water
Provide Grain Starch
VFA Propionate Butyrate
Acetate
Absorption of VFA through epithelium stimulates rumen development
Fermentation
Inside the Rumen
![Page 52: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/52.jpg)
Why chemical and not physical? ¡ Research results show
rumen development stimulated by VFA’s not “scratch factor”.
¡ Milk, hay and grain fermented to produce VFA.
¡ Sponges did not contribute VFA for rumen development added “scratch”.
Inert Particles
Plastic Sponges
++ Hay
+++ Grain
++++ Butyrate
+++ Propionate
++ Acetate
VFA Salts
++ Milk
Effect on Rumen
Development Material
Source: Calf Notes. J. Quigley. 1999.
![Page 53: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/53.jpg)
Ingredients to Initiate Rumen Development
¡ Bacteria ¡ Liquid in the rumen ¡ Muscular movement ¡ Absorptive ability of the tissue
¡ Availability of feed stuff in the rumen
![Page 54: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/54.jpg)
Veal Calf’s Stomach
18 pounds Rumen 18 x 11”
Abomasum 12 x 5”
![Page 55: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/55.jpg)
Dairy Calf’s Stomach 70 pounds Rumen 24 x 22” Abomasum 16 x 4”
![Page 56: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/56.jpg)
![Page 57: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/57.jpg)
A Look at the Papillae
Heads or Tails?
![Page 58: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/58.jpg)
What about hay? ¡ Digestion of hay provides acetic acid. ¡ Acetic acid is less crucial for rumen development. ¡ Hay provides a “scratch factor” to promote healthy growth of papillae.
¡ Hay should be offered 04 weeks after weaning.
![Page 59: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/59.jpg)
Focus on Calf Health It Start’s on Day 1
¡ Colostrum ¡ Pathogen Control ¡ Nutrition ¡ Housing
![Page 60: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/60.jpg)
Preventing Pneumonia ¡ Provide well ventilated facilities
¡ Keep calves dry and wellbedded
¡ Feed enough milk ¡ Avoid nosenose contact
¡ Keep age groups separate
¡ Avoid buying calves
¡ Prevent aspiration pneumonia
¡ Minimize weaning stress
¡ Vaccinate dams ¡ Give an immunity boost
![Page 61: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/61.jpg)
Industry’s Preferred Housing …Calf Hutches
![Page 62: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/62.jpg)
But who wants to feed in outside
during the winter? Slide Courtesy of Ken Nordlund, DVM, UWSchool of Veterinary Medicine
![Page 63: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/63.jpg)
Slide Courtesy of Ken Nordlund, DVM, UWSchool of Veterinary Medicine
![Page 64: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/64.jpg)
These appear to be well
ventilated barns!
Why do we have
endemic calf pneumonia?
Maybe the barns are ventilated
and the pens are not?
Differences in gases? NH 3 ? CO 2 ? Bacteria?
Slide Courtesy of Ken Nordlund, DVM, UWSchool of Veterinary Medicine
![Page 65: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/65.jpg)
These appear to be well
ventilated barns!
•Median barn ventilation rate was 5.5 changes per hour (range 093) *
* assistance of Brian Holmes and David Kammel
• Pen air NH 3 average 2 ppm (04)
•Alley cfu/m 3 associated with barn ventilation rate P<.0001
• Pen cfu/m 3 were NOT associated with barn ventilation rate
• Pens are microenvironments within the barn
Slide Courtesy of Ken Nordlund, DVM, UWSchool of Veterinary Medicine
Lago et.al., J Dairy Sci 89:4014, 2006
![Page 66: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/66.jpg)
Key Factors in Respiratory Health
Solid Wall Between Calves Deep Bedding for Nesting
Slide Courtesy of Ken Nordlund, DVM, UWSchool of Veterinary Medicine
![Page 67: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/67.jpg)
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
27 52 77 102 127 152 177 202 227 252 277 302 327
Airborne bacteria cfu/m 3 x 1000
Prevalen
ce of respiratory disease
Mesh dividers, nesting score 2 Solid dividers, nesting score 2
Solid sides
Mesh sides
Lago et.al., J Dairy Sci 89:4014, 2006 Slide Courtesy of Ken Nordlund, DVM, UWSchool of Veterinary Medicine
![Page 68: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/68.jpg)
Environmental Influence on Growth
Cold Hot Thermal Neutral Zone
50 0 78 0 F Newborn Calf
32 0 738 0 F Onemonth old Calf
Increased Energy Needs Increased Energy Needs
![Page 69: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/69.jpg)
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
27 52 77 102 127 152 177 202 227 252 277 302 327
Airborne bacteria cfu/m 3 x 1000
Prevalen
ce of respiratory disease
Nesting score 1, mesh sides Nesting score 2 Nesting score 3
Lago et.al., J Dairy Sci 89:4014, 2006
Deep nesting
No nesting Nesting Score 1 Legs visible when laying down
Nesting Score 2 Legs partially visible when laying down
Nesting Score 2 Legs not visible when laying down
Slide Courtesy of Ken Nordlund, DVM, UWSchool of Veterinary Medicine
![Page 70: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/70.jpg)
Calf Pens can be Microenvironments
Slide Courtesy of Ken Nordlund, DVM, UWSchool of Veterinary Medicine
![Page 71: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/71.jpg)
Factors to decrease pathogens in pens
¡ Lower temperature ¡ Larger pens ¡ Fewer solid walls
![Page 72: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/72.jpg)
The Ideal Calf Pen Concept
¡ Solid partitions between calves
¡ Open front and back
¡ Sides extend out 12 inches from front
¡ 12 to 18 inches solid back wall
¡ Deep bedding
![Page 73: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/73.jpg)
Location August 2004 investigation
Feb. 2005 after tube
Pens, cfu/m3 177,453 42,807 Alleys, cfu/m3 26,459 16,716
After supplementation, respiratory disease treatments estimated to be
25% of previous years Slide Courtesy of Ken Nordlund, DVM, UWSchool of Veterinary Medicine
![Page 74: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/74.jpg)
What defines a successful calf raising program?
Calves are alive Calves are healthy
Calves are growing well
![Page 75: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/75.jpg)
Building Better Heifers
Failures Failures Successes Successes
Pneumonia Pneumonia Scours Scours Days on Days on milk milk Death Death
Live Calf Live Calf Healthy Healthy Growing Growing
Colostrum Colostrum Sanitation Sanitation Isolation Isolation
Environment Environment Nutrition Nutrition
Immunization Immunization Medication Medication
![Page 76: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/76.jpg)
Focus on Calf Health It Start’s on Day 1
¡ Colostrum ¡ Pathogen Control ¡ Nutrition ¡ Housing
![Page 77: Real Herds…Real Heifers](https://reader031.vdocuments.net/reader031/viewer/2022020622/61eee3ad4f07ab2bf1537394/html5/thumbnails/77.jpg)
Tina Kohlman Dairy & Livestock Agent UWExtension Sheboygan County
(920) 4595902 [email protected] http://shegboygan.uwex.edu/ag /dairy/heifermanagement
Thank You!
2008 by the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, doing business as the Division of Cooperative Extension of the University of WisconsinExtension