Dr. Arlen Mills demonstrates a little calf sense for workshop participants.
Dairy Alliance Checks Producers ’ ‘Calf Sense’
CHARLENE M. SHUPP
ESPENSHADE
Lancaster Farming Staff
BAINBRIDGE, (Lancaster Co.) Challenging
more than-20 dairy producers on their “calf sense,”
members of the Dairy Alliance and Penn State ex
tension recently put workshop participants through
a “boot camp” on newborn calf care.
The day-long training workshop took place at
Meadow-Vista Farm, owned by Gerald and Don
Risser, Bainbridge.
The workshop focused on the first three days of
life in newborn calves and how to increase calf
raising success, according to Rich Stup from Penn
State Dairy Alliance.
“This is a challenge regardless of farm size,” Stup
said. “Look at the value of calves. (They are) the
next generation of the farm.”
In its second year, Calf Sense workshops provide
systematic management training and provide tools
to take home to the farm.
The day started off with general sessions touch
ing upon several areas of dairy calf management:
colostrum management, newborn calf health, and
calf care consistency.
“Whatever is ingested first is absorbed first and
fast,” said Dr. Jud Heinrichs of Penn State as he re
viewed the importance of colostrum management.
Heinrichs stressed the importance of feeding co
lostrum to a newborn calf early for the quick uptake
of microbes by their immune system. Hendricks rec
ommended three quarts at birth and follow up of
three quarts four hours later.
Testing for colostrum quality, Heinrichs said, is
important to make sure the calves get what they
need.
“You can’t look at this stuff and tell what it is,”
said Heinrichs.
Other points included how to freeze colostrum
and using frozen colostrum as a management tool to
eliminate Johne’s disease on a farm.
(Turn to Page 16)