Jillian Bohlen, DVM, says evaluating the basic vital statistics of every calf catches sick animals early in the disease process and goes beyond visual appraisal. Her advice on measuring calf vital signs includes:
- Temperature: 100.0-102.5˚F
- Heart rate (pulse): 100-140 beats per minute
- Respiration rate: 36-60 breaths per minute
Source: Dairy Herd Management, March 9, 2020. Link. Bohlen recommends tools for dairy producers to always keep on-hand.
INSIGHTS: Tell them, show them, remind them, then start all over again with each calving pulse. Extend the training to dairy and ranch personnel beyond the herdsman or manager. Too often, the simplest factors can make the difference between loss and gain.