Comparing the management approaches between beef and dairy calves, Kansas State University experts revealed opportunities for beef calf producers to learn from how dairy calves are raised. Regardless of the production system, early digestive development is key to future performance, shared Billy Brown, MS.
“Whether a calf is on pasture or in a hutch, getting the rumen working early supports better health and productivity.
Source: BEEF, July 29, 2025. Link.
A calf’s digestive system is shaped by more than time. Diet, milk intake and early environmental exposure all influence rumen development.”
INSIGHTS: This article provides an opportunity for animal health pros to educate beef producers on monitoring signs of rumen development, including behaviors and pasture consumption.
Related: Enterotoxemia in pasture calves explained, BEEF, July 16, 2025. Link. Information on overeating disease in thriving pasture calves is explained by Bob Larson, DVM, PhD in this article. Caused by Clostridium perfringens he says giving calves a seven-way clostridial vaccination at two to three months of age can lessen the risk.