Inherent in animal health pro relationships with dairy producers is the element of helping them manage their ROI. A.F. Kertz provides a review of research about calf inputs and concludes cutting costs in the calf period may save on a daily basis but doesn’t pay over the heifer raising time period.
I think too often dairy producers focus on the calf period as a place to cut costs” – A. F. Kertz
Kertz’ summary comments remind us that calves are the most efficient converters of nutrients as they grow. Remember that during the growth period they are most sensitive to change and challenge. The calf-to-cow period health also determines the kind of cow they become, including the level of milk production.
Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, May 10, 2020. Link.
INSIGHTS: Yes, there are lots of numbers. Still, the summary information is valuable for discussing calf care, calf inputs and calf health. While some calves now go to beef, every calf is more valuable if their health status and nutrition is optimized during their growing period. Veterinary teams and sales professionals can discuss the summary value confidently.