13 Nov Effective Calf Management: The foundation of healthy dairy herds
By Dr. David Kolb
Calf management is crucial for successful dairy operations. As the future of the herd, how calves are raised significantly affects productivity, health and longevity. Effective practices go beyond basic care and include science-backed hygiene protocols that address calves’ vulnerable immune systems. From birth to weaning, strong hygiene practices lay the foundation for each calf’s development into a productive adult, driving dairy farm success and sustainability.
Calf health integral to farming
Newborn calves enter the world with immature immune systems. Unlike other mammals, calves are born with limited immunity to environmental bacteria and viruses, making them highly susceptible to illness. During the first few weeks, calves depend heavily on colostrum—antibody-rich first milk—to provide immune protection. However, even high-quality colostrum is not enough if proper hygiene practices are not in place.
Diseases such as scours and respiratory infections are common in young calves and are often linked to poor sanitation. Scours, a frequent and severe condition, can lead to dehydration, nutrient loss and mortality. In addition to increased veterinary costs and labor, early illness also affects future productivity. Studies show that calves that experience health issues early in life often produce less milk as adults. Therefore, implementing strong hygiene protocols is essential for immediate health and for setting up calves for productive, healthy lives.
Key components of calf management
To provide calves with the highest level of care, some key aspects of calf management are critical:
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- Colostrum management. Calves should receive high-quality colostrum shortly after birth, ideally within the first two hours, to maximize antibody absorption. Clean storage and handling of colostrum helps prevent contamination which can introduce pathogens to a vulnerable calf.
- Nutrition and feeding practices. Calves should be fed nutrient-rich milk or milk replacers that meet their needs and support optimal growth and immune function. Regularly cleaning and disinfecting feeding equipment is also essential to prevent pathogen spread. Maintaining the right milk temperature and consistency can further help calves absorb nutrients more effectively.
- Feeding and housing sanitation procedures. Calf feeding and housing sanitation are crucial for preventing infections and ensuring a safe environment. Dr. Donald Sockett, DVM, PhD, from the University of Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, has emphasized the importance of sanitation in disease prevention, particularly in combating calf scour.
Following the following steps can make a substantial difference in maintaining high hygiene standards:
- Debris removal. Remove all bedding, manure and organic matter from calf pens and feeding areas. Dr. Sockett’s research indicates that organic matter, if not removed, can harbor pathogens that increase the risk of scours and respiratory infections.
- Soaking and scrubbing. Apply water to surfaces to loosen dirt, then scrub thoroughly with an alkaline cleaner. That dislodges bacteria and organic residues, improving the effectiveness of disinfection. An alkaline cleaner with a pH of 11 to 13 is particularly effective for breaking down fats and soils.
- Acid cleaning. After scrubbing, apply an acid cleaner to remove any remaining residues and mineral build-up, which can harbor bacteria. Acid cleaning prevents mineral deposits that can neutralize disinfectants; it also ensures that pathogens do not thrive on these surfaces.
- Disinfecting with chlorine dioxide. Use a chlorine dioxide solution at 250 to 500 parts per million, allowing 5 to 10 minutes of contact time to kill bacteria, viruses and fungi effectively. Chlorine dioxide is powerful against various pathogens and doesn’t leave harmful residues. Dr. Sockett has found that using chlorine dioxide for disinfection is a reliable method for disease prevention, penetrating biofilms and hard-to-reach areas.
Effective calf management yields long-term benefits
The benefits of effective calf management extend far beyond early-life health. Calves that receive proper care in their first weeks tend to develop stronger immune systems, supporting healthier adulthood and higher milk production potential. Fewer illnesses also translate to lower veterinary and labor costs. Healthier animals improve the farm’s bottom line, contributing to sustainability and profitability.
Sound calf management practices also support a positive public image. Today’s consumers are increasingly aware of animal welfare, and dairy farms prioritizing calf health and hygiene practices align well with customer expectations for ethical dairy production.
Effective calf management is essential for the health, productivity and longevity of the dairy herd. By focusing on hygiene from birth and utilizing products like chlorine-dioxide-based disinfectants, dairy operators can protect calves from early-life illnesses, improving overall herd productivity and sustainability. Proper hygiene practices in feeding, housing, and equipment sanitation, supported by Dr. Sockett’s research, provide calves with the best possible start and establish a foundation for a healthy and productive herd. Investing in calf care is not only a commitment to animal welfare but also a strategic decision for the long-term success and profitability of the dairy operation.
Dr. David Kolb is a large animal veterinarian at Lodi Veterinary Care and co-owner of Acepsis, LLC, a mission sponsor of PDP. Email drdavidkolb@acepsis.com to reach him.