The first few days are make-or-break for setting up beef-on-dairy calves for success, shares Gail Carpenter, DVM, PhD. She offers five key priorities so farmers can give their calves the best start possible, making sure they stay healthy and strong for their next chapter of life:
- Breed for the right calves
- Prioritize maternity management
- Ensure proper colostrum management
- *Implement a solid pre-transport health plan
- Maintain a clean, comfortable environment
Source: Dairy Herd Management, March 26, 2025. Link.
Note: Carpenter’s *number four priority is an area where veterinary teams can help beef-on-dairy customers because having a solid pre-transport health plan in place not only supports the calf’s health, but it also helps meet buyer requirements and avoids any issues during transport.
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