The Dairy Calf and Heifer Association (DCHA) is a non-profit member organization. Our mission is to enhance the success of the dairy industry by providing insights and opportunities to improve dairy calf and heifer production. Together, we are committed to growing our future.

Feb 20, 2020 · Why are dairy cows separated from calves at birth? What happens to dairy cow's calves after they are born? Learn the answers straight from the source.

The goal of calf nutrition is to promote healthy, efficient, and rapid growth through milk and to enhance rumen growth and function by initiating grain intake.

Recognizing this and understanding calf growth, nutrition, health and behavior can help you successfully care for your calves. The following practices for raising calves can: Decrease the exposure of calves to disease. Improve calf health. Improve calf …

To prevent dairy calf scours, use a system-wide approach that includes, cow health, colostrum management, calf nutrition, cleaning and sanitizing, and vaccination.

Diarrhea in Dairy Calves: Role of Supportive Therapy; Early Identification of Sick Dairy Calves Important to Their Survival and Future Milk Production; Management Practices of the Dam Impact the Health of Dairy Calves Long Term; Measuring the Success of a Dairy's Colostrum Management Program

Mar 26, 2025 · With beef-on-dairy calves in high demand, giving them the best start is essential for both their health and market value. Dr. Gail Carpenter outlines five key priorities for dairy farmers to focus on to help set these calves up for success.

In this feeding system, targeted mean daily gain for calves of large dairy breeds is between 400 and 600 g/day for the first 3–4 weeks of life. To achieve this rate of gain, expected dry-matter intake of 600–750 g/day is required, of which approximately 450 g is supplied from liquid feed.

Dairy Calves and Heifers. Raising a calf from birth to first calving is typically the second or third greatest expense on the dairy. As a dairy producer, it can be difficult to keep a close eye on the animals on the farm that are seemingly lower maintenance than your lactating cows.

Mar 10, 2025 · Birth to preweaning. In the December 2024 Hoard’s Dairyman monthly webinar, “New developments in calf nutrition: Challenging the dogma,” Michael Steele, a professor at the University of Guelph, discussed the importance of feeding high-quality colostrum during the first 12 hours of a calf’s life. Steele stated that one should consider feeding more colostrum within the …