Author: Abbey Dugan

The sun is shining, and winter is a distant memory. You may be eager to spend time in the field and catch up on tasks you couldn’t do all winter. But during this busy time, don’t forget how warmer weather is impacting your calves.

Make sure preparing calves for heat stress is on the top of your to-do list.

Calves can start to experience heat stress at just 68ºF, leading to reduced feed intake, increased energy needs and higher susceptibility to disease.

Doing the little things before heat stress hits is a cost-efficient way to lessen the impacts of heat stress, or even prevent it from occurring. Use this heat stress checklist to brush up on the basics and keep calves comfortable all summer long:

Reposition hutches

Air movement is critical to help prevent heat stress in calves. Maximize airflow by repositioning hutches to face into the prevailing wind, and move them away from permanent wind-blocking structures like silos, barns or bunkers.

Hot temperatures and increased fieldwork can cause a lot of summer dust. Make sure hutches are located away from hay barns or fields to prevent dust from irritating your calves’ respiratory systems and settling into water and milk buckets.

Switch up bedding

Straw is the go-to bedding in winter because its long particle size keeps calves warm, but it’s not ideal when temperatures rise. Small particle bedding, like peanut hulls, rice hulls or wood shavings, has less heat retention. Use small particle bedding during high temperatures to encourage lying time and keep calves comfortable.

Sand is another good summer bedding option, but it can heat up in the sun. Keep calves cool by facing hutches north or using a shade cloth to keep the sun off the sand.

Apply the ‘one more’ rule

Summer weather calls for extra calf attention. Whatever feeding and management tasks you typically complete during milder spring temperatures, do that task one more time each day in summer. The “one more” rule particularly applies to feeding water and observing calves.

Heat stress can lead to dehydration, which can lead to decreased calf performance, so extra, fresh clean water is critical. Water calves one more time, in addition to regular water feedings, when temperatures reach 68ºF or above.

The one more rule also applies to calf observations. Add an extra walk-through of the calf hutches or pens to check for heat stress signs. Calves experiencing heat stress sit and pant, have sunken eyes, a droopy head and dry nose. By increasing observations, you can catch these signs early and help prevent long-term impacts of heat stress.

Adjust feeding times

Decreased feed intake is a common challenge in warm temperatures. Adjust morning and night feeding times to deliver feed during the cooler parts of the day. Calves will eat more, and feed stays cooler, which prevents spoilage.

Pay attention to how much starter calves are eating. A slight drop in starter intake is normal in warm weather, but a significant decrease could indicate heat stress. Consider adding a daily electrolyte feeding, in addition to milk or milk replacer, to help prevent heat stress and keep feed intake up.

Use ventilation features

Hutches have ventilation features for a reason. They encourage airflow and help hot air escape to help prevent heat stress. Make sure you’re using ventilation features day and night early in the summer before heat stress kicks in.

Open rear bedding doors to maximize air movement through the hutch. Rear vents and ridge vents offer additional opportunities for air movement. Open all the vents to let air through when it’s hot. If opening the ventilation features still doesn’t provide enough air movement, consider raising the back of the hutch with a cinderblock.

Ventilation is also critical for calves housed indoors. Make sure there’s natural airflow. If there’s not a natural airflow, create one with fans, curtains and open doors. Some indoor pen systems allow you to remove the solid back panel and swap it for a wire-meshed panel to increase airflow.

Block UV rays

Ultraviolet (UV) rays destroy plastic quality and are harmful to calves. But since you can’t see them, how do you know your calves are protected? Test the quality of your hutch material by shining a flashlight through the plastic into the hutch during the day. If the light is coming through, UV rays can also get through.

If your plastic quality isn’t up to par, consider upgrading to a hutch with UV protection to keep calves cool and improve hutch longevity. Additional shade features, such as installing a shade cloth or building a pole barn over your hutches, can also help protect against UV rays.

Heat stress happens every year, but focusing on the little details can help lessen the impacts. By following the proper steps, your calves will be comfortable and cool all summer long.

Estés por calor en becerros: Las pequeñas cosas que hacen una gran diferencia
Por Brandon Sowder

El sol está brillando y el invierno quedó atrás. Has de estar ansioso por pasar tiempo en el campo y ponerte al día en las tareas que no pudiste realizar durante el invierno. Pero en este tiempo ocupado, no olvides como impacta el clima cálido a tus becerras. Asegúrate que esté en tus prioridades preparar a tus becerras para el estrés calórico.

Las becerras pueden empezar a experimentar estrés por calor a 20°C (68°F), lo que las lleva a reducir la cantidad de alimento que consumen, incrementa la necesidad de energía y tienen una mayor susceptibilidad a enfermedades.

Hacer las pequeñas cosas antes de que se genere este estrés por calor es una manera rentable de disminuir los impactos del estrés por calor, o de siquiera prevenir que estos ocurran. Use esta lista para repasar lo básico y mantenga a los becerros cómodos durante todo el verano:

– Reposicionar becerreras

El flujo del aire es crítico para ayudar a prevenir el estrés por calor en becerros. Maximice el flujo de aire reposicionando las becerreras para enfrentar el viento y muévalas de estructuras que bloqueen este flujo de aire, como silos, graneros o bunkers.

Las altas temperaturas y el incremento de trabajo en campo pueden causar mucho polvo en el verano. Asegúrate de que las becerreras estén localizadas lejos de donde haya graneros o campos para prevenir que el polvo irrite el sistema respiratorio de tus becerros y que se asiente en los recipientes de agua y leche.

– Cambie la cama

La paja es la cama para invierno ya que el gran tamaño de partícula mantiene calientes a los becerros, más no es ideal al haber aumento de temperatura. Camas de pequeñas partículas como la cascara del cacahuate, cascara de arroz o aserrín, tienen menores retenciones de calor. Use camas de pequeñas partículas durante climas de altas temperaturas para incentivar el tiempo de Descanso y mantener cómodos a los becerros.

La Arena es otra opción de cama en tiempos de verano, pero esta puede calentarse por el sol. Mantenga a los becerros frescos al poner las becerreras con cara al norte o usando una manta como sombra para evitar que el sol caliente la arena.

– Aplique la regla de “uno más”

El clima del verano exige mayor atención para los becerros. Cualquiera de las tareas de alimentación y manejo que normalmente hace durante invierno, se recomienda hacerlo al doble en verano. La regla de “uno más” aplica de forma particular al dar agua y al observar los becerros.

El estrés por calor puede llevar a la deshidratación lo cual puede llevar a la disminución del rendimiento de los becerros, es por ello que la necesidad de agua extra, fresca y limpia es crítica. Proporcione agua a los becerros una vez más, en adición a la rutina regular de agua, cuando las temperaturas igualan o rebasan los 20°C (68°F).

La regla de “uno más” también aplica a las observaciones de los becerros. Agregue caminatas extra por las becerreras o corrales para revisar signos de estrés por calor. Los becerros que experimentan estrés por calor se sientan y jadean, tienen ojos hundidos, cabizbajos y nariz seca. Al incrementar las observaciones, puede notar estos signos de manera pronta y ayudar a prevenir impactos de largo plazo de estrés por calor.

– Ajuste los tiempos de alimentación

La disminución en la ingesta de alimento es un reto común en altas temperaturas. Ajuste los tiempos de alimentación matutinos y vespertinos para que el suministro de alimento se lleve a cabo en los momentos más frescos del día. Los becerros comerán más, y el alimento permanecerá fresco lo que evita su deterioro.

Preste atención en las cantidades de alimento consumido por los becerros más jóvenes. Un pequeño decremento en la ingesta al inicio es normal en climas cálidos, pero una disminución notable podría indicar estrés por calor. Considere agregar electrolitos al alimento diariamente, en adición a la leche o al substituto de leche, para ayudar a prevenir estrés por calor y mantener los niveles de ingesta de alimento.

– Use las características de ventilación

Las becerreras tienen características de ventilación por una razón. Estas fomentan el flujo de aire y ayudan al escape del aire caliente para prevenir estrés por calor. Asegure usar las características de ventilación en el día y la noche antes de que el estrés por calor cumpla su cometido.

Al abrir las puertas traseras de la becerrera se maximiza el flujo del aire. Las ventilaciones traseras y las ventilaciones en techo ofrecen oportunidades adicionales para el movimiento del aire. Abra todas las ventilaciones para permitir el paso del aire, cuando hace calor. Si el abrir todas las ventilaciones no permite suficiente flujo de aire, considere el levantar la parte trasera de la becerrera con un tabique.

La ventilación es crítica para becerros con becerreras en interiores. Asegure que exista flujo de aire natural. Si no existe flujo de aire natural, elabore uno con ventiladores, cortinas y ventanas abiertas. Algunos sistemas de corrales de interiores permiten remover el panel posterior solido e intercambiar por un panel de malla de alambre para incrementar el flujo de aire.

– Bloqueé los rayos UV

Los rayos ultravioletas destruyen la calidad del plástico y son dañinos para los becerros. Pero si no podemos verlos, ¿cómo sabemos que nuestros becerros están bien protegidos? Puede comprobar la calidad de su becerrera al pasar una linterna a través del plástico en la becerrera durante el día. Si la luz pasa de un lado a otro, los rayos ultravioleta podrán atravesar también.

Si la calidad de su plástico no está a la par, considere actualizarse a una becerrera con protección UV, para mantener a los becerros frescos y mejorar la longevidad de las becerreras. Las características adicionales de sombra, como lo es poner una manta de sombra o la construcción de un techo, puede ayudar también a la protección de rayos UV.

El estrés por calor ocurre cada año pero el enfocarse en los pequeños detalles puede ayudar a aminorar el impacto. Al seguir los puntos apropiados, sus becerros estarán cómodos y frescos todo el verano.

January 30, 2019, GERMANTOWN, WI—Calf-Tel, the global leader in quality calf housing for the dairy industry, wins World Ag Expo’s Top 10 new product award.

A large number of cutting-edge products were submitted to the contest. Farmers, ranchers and industry professionals acted as judges to select the Top 10 products. They will all be showcased at the upcoming World Ag Expo in Tulare, CA.

The new Calf-Tel ECS Plastic Floor was selected as a winner. The floor was designed and developed as a critical component of a calf raising system. The floor is ideal for Western style raising where calf housing is dominated by wood bases, floors and stalls.

Calf-Tel ECS Plastic Flooring can be dropped in to these existing wood bases for an easy transition and increased labor efficiencies. The floors will not break down over time and will need minimal upkeep. The plastic construction makes them faster and easier to clean than wood floors.

“The “Calf-First” mentality at Calf-Tel drove our innovation in designing the floor. The plastic does not absorb harmful bacteria and bioburdens like wood does, keeping the calves healthier and cleaner.” says Ed Wolk, product design manager.

ECS Plastic Floor is made out of a structural, plastic foam that provides flexible cushioning under the calves weight for added comfort under hoof and while laying down. Additionally, the smooth plastic, combined with strategically designed floor openings disperses waste more effectively than traditional wooden floors. The floor was designed with more open area than wooden floors, resulting in better waste pass-through and superior ventilation.

As with all Calf-Tel products, the ECS Plastic Floor is built to last and comes with a 10-year Limited Warranty. Come and see it in action at World Ag Expo. Calf-Tel is located in booth DS108.

For more information on the Calf-Tel line of products, visit www.Calf-Tel.com or call (262) 255-4540 or email: sales@calftel.com.

Hampel Animal Care, a division of Hampel Corporation, began serving the agriculture industry in 1981 with the introduction of Calf-Tel housing systems. Today it is the number one choice for calf housing, worldwide. For more information, visit www.Calf-Tel.com or learn more at www.facebook.com/calftel and www.youtube.com/calftel.

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Calf-Tel Introduces the New Direct Attach Pail

March 28, 2018, GERMANTOWN, WI—Calf-Tel, the global leader in quality calf housing for the dairy industry, introduces its new Direct Attach Pail!

The new Calf-Tel Direct Attach Pail requires no hardware and fits Calf-Tel fence panels and ECS hutches. In fact, the modular design will also fit most wooden style hutches as well.

The new “Super Pail”, as it’s been dubbed by those who have used it, is made from a nearly indestructible co-polymer polypropylene. It has been built to not only withstand the wear and tear inflicted by the frisky calf in the group but much more.

“Our number one objective is always thinking of the calf first. When we do it right, it not only results in a healthier, better producing animal but also a more efficient operation for the producer,” said Brandon Sowder, Director of Sales for Calf-Tel.

Calf-Tel’s “Calf-First” product development process has led to a revolutionary design. The pail angle is parallel to the ground making it easier for the calf to reach both feed and liquid. Its rounded bottom edges are optimized so that the calf can lick the pail clean—reducing waste and making it easier to clean.

The Direct Attach mechanism of the pail provides a firm, semi-lock grip on fences, wood and other retaining fixtures preventing it from getting kicked away or bumped into an aisle.

The Calf-Tel Direct Attach Pail is available in 8QT capacity, comes in 2 colors and 2 different attachment widths.

For more information on the Calf-Tel line of products, visit www.Calf-Tel.com or call (262) 255-4540 or email: sales@calftel.com.

Hampel Animal Care, a division of Hampel Corporation, began serving the agriculture industry in 1981 with the introduction of Calf-Tel housing systems. Today it is the number one choice for calf housing, worldwide. For more information, visit www.Calf-Tel.com or learn more at www.facebook.com/calftel and www.youtube.com/calftel.

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By Jerry Bertoldo, DVM

Winter shows us some of the opportunities in the world of baby dairy calf care. It affects all calves, but of particular concern is the dystocia calf, ones that get shorted on colostrum (volume or quality) or those born “early” outside of a designated calving area. There has not been a widespread effort to treat “stressed” newborns differently than their “according to plan” friends.

Many farms will note calving related problems on paper or in Dairy Comp for the benefit of calf care folks. How does this information translate to action items for these less than fortunate youngsters? Often times it is reminder to respond to the first signs of problems aggressively with antibiotics and supportive treatments. Is this the wisest proactive approach?

Think about the following points for newborn calves:

• Calves are born without antibodies against the common disease causing viruses and bacteria that they will see within minutes of birth.
• For calves with a calving difficulty score of 3 out of 5 or worse – 25% will die within 48 hrs., 3.8 X as many become ill and 4.5 X as many will die as compared to normal births. 60% of heifer deaths by 6 months are from births with dystocia scores of 3 or greater.
• 1 out of 7 calves born with a dystocia score of 3 or greater will have a broken rib causing pain, reduced activity, desire to eat and resistance to disease.
• Calves have little body fat as compared to other animals. Their internal energy reserves will last less than a day in warmer weather (over 60°F).
• Cold weather will deplete fat reserves in several hours without prompt consumption of nutrient rich colostrum.
• When a calf’s core body temperature falls below 101°F for more than 1 hour, it will not absorb colostrum antibodies (IgG’s) very well. Additionally, their immune system development is hampered.
• The first thing in a calf’s mouth after being born gets to enter the blood stream rather easily in the first 12 hours of life whether a bacteria, nutrient or IgG.
• Calves less than 3 weeks of age need extra energy to stay warm when temperatures fall below 60°F. This doubles below 40°F. Wind, damp and manure caked hair coats make the need even greater.
• Meeting energy and protein needs to stay warm, grow and fuel the immune system makes 2X feeding of milk or milk replacer in the proper amount difficult on the digestive tract.
• 3X feeding with even spacing between meals is a management challenge, but works wonders as compared to 2X and even an additional 3^rd feeding in the afternoon.

To get the jump on illness, calves need reduced stress, low bacteria exposure (manure meals!), dry and warm bedding, individualized attention, and high feeding rates in the winter. Yes, it is expensive, but this is the future of the herd! Calves that had a difficult birth, were born in manure, received poor or dirty colostrum or had early navel contamination before dipping are in a special needs group. They require more attention than usual and should be housed in hutches or individual pens where they can be closely monitored, if they are to stay alive and become productive adults.

Consider these practices for high risk calves:

• Makes sure calf care people know who these calves are by identifying these with colored tape, crayon marks, collars or zip ties on ear tags.
• Check navels on Day 2 looking for wet and especially swollen stumps. Treat with antibiotics early and check periodically.
• Use vitamin/mineral supplementation (preferably injectable) such as Vitamin B complex, Vitamin A&D, Vitamin E, selenium and iron dextran to boost the immune systems and immune systems and metabolic functions.
• Use preventative antibiotics selected based on baby calf disease history, diagnostics and the individual calf status.
• Use intranasal and oral vaccines or oral antibody products on Day 1 if indicated.
• Feed poorer quality colostrum or “fresh milk” for a few days after Day 1 for the extra nutrition and beneficial health benefits. Make sure the bacteria count is low in any of these!
• Put calf jackets on these calves earlier than you would for ones with no issues.
• Ensure these calves are housed in newly cleaned plastic hutches or pens and have a fresh bedding pack.

Calves that come into this world with a hard pull – or push – have a decided handicap in any weather. The dystocia calves of winter have an even tougher path to survival, health and growth. Give them a hand and a fair shot at seeing the dog days of summer!

**Jerry Bertoldo, DVM is veterinarian in Western New York state and is currently the Dairy Management Specialist with the NWNY Dairy Team for Cornell Cooperative Extension team.