Publications

This dairy insight lifts the lid on the latest research from across the globe on colostrum feeding to help you reduce disease risk and get calves on track for good early-life growth.

Pathogens causing disease in calves are ever-present in the environment, so while eradication is impossible, reducing exposure is essential. Ultimately, whether a calf thrives or succumbs to illness depends on the balance between immunity and challenge. The aim should be to boost a calf's immunity (ability to resist disease), whilst also lowering the disease challenge in the environment.

Lung Scanning is rapidly gaining recognition as an innovative and sustainable tool in calf health management, aiding early detection of respiratory issues, enhancing animal welfare and reducing long term veterinary costs for farmers rearing youngstock. This Dairy Insight explores the scientific principles behind lung scanning technology. Highlighting the benefits for livestock health and examining its evolving role in the future of farm management.

There are several vitamins which are essential for dairy cows. The requirements vary according to the stage of lactation and, because cattle do not synthesise these vitamins in sufficient quantities, we must ensure that the ration provides them; this often means that supplementation will be necessary.

Over the last decade the UK dairy industry has seen a phase shift, with a growing contingent of commercial farmers recognising the role of genomics in driving rapid genetic progress as part of everyday breeding programmes. Over 100,000 new females will be genotyped this year alone, with around 70% of Holstein semen used also by genomic young sires. AHDB Dairy highlights a widening gulf between those who buy-in to genomics and those that don't – equating to over £19,000 in lost value for the average herd. Check out this technology to see if it fits your needs.

Mortality statistics show that the first three months of a calf's life are pivotal when it comes to overall survival. This Dairy Insight looks at ensuring a healthy start for your calves and explores solutions for you, when things do go wrong.

All farmers should take scours prevention seriously considering it accounts for more than half of calf deaths in the UK and is preventable through good hygiene and immunity management. Kingshay Costings show it now costs £1,761 to rear a heifer to calve in at a target 24 months – a 14% increase on December 2021. With this in mind, farmers can ill afford any drop in growth rates caused by a case of scours, which could increase rearing times and associated costs and negatively affect a farm's carbon footprint. Calves that experience scours are also more likely to succumb to other diseases such as pneumonia. This Dairy Insight explores the causes of calf scours and shares practical tips on prevention.

The costs of rearing dairy replacements is estimated to be between £1,546 and over £2,170 depending on the age at first calving (see Youngstock Rearing Costs Dairy Insight). This accounts for between 10 to 20% of dairy enterprise costs (according to Kingshay's Profit Manager figures). With these costs ever increasing, it is as important as ever to have a highly efficient rearing system. After all, heifer calves are the future of most dairy herds and you don't get a second chance to get it right. Whilst the impacts of early life nutrition on cow productivity are well understood, the impact of other life experiences is not so well recognised. This Dairy Insight explores the effects of social contact on calves and the lasting effects into adulthood.

Get the ambient environment right in a calf building and you'll be rewarded with healthy, well-grown animals. Get it wrong, and you could be facing an uphill battle. That's why it's essential that all buildings – new or existing – are set up to provide calves with a dry, clean environment with plenty of fresh air, but no draughts. This Dairy Insight explores the ambient environment of calf buildings and how you'll be rewarded with healthy, well-grown animals, setting them up for their life in the dairy herd.

Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) has been recognised for over 50 years as a pathogen in cattle. It is associated with bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and joint ill in calves, and mastitis and arthritis in adult cattle. The costs to the UK dairy industry are unknown, however farms costs can be significant in the form of reduced growth rates, reduced milk production, cattle deaths and veterinary costs. Recently the disease has become more widely diagnosed. This insight publication explores the M. bovis bacteria, modes of transmission as well as treatment and prevention.

Vaccines have been available from the 1930's, since then they have made a major contribution to improving cattle health and welfare. They are vital components in preventing, managing and eradicating diseases on farm and ultimately improving productivity and profitability. This DAIRY insight looks at improving animal health outcomes by getting the most from your vaccines on farm.

Computerised calf feeders are becoming increasingly popular to help labour efficiencies. Managed well, they can improve milk feeding consistency, drive weight gains and optimise calf performance. However, top notch hygiene and careful use of data is needed to realise their true potential. This DAIRY insight explores the key considerations when choosing a calf machine.