Maximizing Calf Performance: Key Insights for Dairy Success

Importance of Pre-Weaning Average Daily Gain (ADG)

• Pre-weaning ADG significantly influences lifetime heifer performance.
• Proper colostrum management is critical for calf health and future productivity.
• Sufficient calorie intake is necessary to support ADG and develop fat stores for immune function.
• Consistency in calf care routines ensures optimal growth and reduces health risks.

Why Does Calf Care Matter?

• Proper calf care reduces sickness and mortality, saving time, resources, and emotional strain.
• Healthy calves contribute to overall dairy efficiency and long-term profitability.

Long-Term Effects of Calf Illness

• Calves treated for pneumonia or scours are more likely to be culled early.
• Scour-treated calves are nearly three times more likely to calve after 30 months.
• Heifers never treated for respiratory disease have twice the likelihood of successful calving.

Impact of Pre-Weaning ADG on Lifetime Performance

• Research indicates a direct correlation between higher pre-weaning ADG and increased milk production.
  • Cornell (2012): Each additional pound of ADG equates to:
    • +1,100 lbs. of milk in first lactation
    • +2,280 lbs. over the first three lactations
  • Study (2016): +1,430 lbs. of milk in first lactation per additional pound of ADG.
  • University of Minnesota (2016): Strong correlation between weaning weight, ADG, and 305-day milk production.

Strategies to Maximize Pre-Weaning ADG

1. Colostrum Management
   • The most influential factor for ADG, health, and lifetime performance.
   • Feed 1 gallon of quality colostrum within the first 4 hours of life.
   • Provide an additional 2 quarts at the second feeding.
   • Quality standard: 22-23% Brix (measured with a refractometer).
2. Adequate Caloric Intake
   • Extra calories above maintenance promote ADG and immune function.
   • Winter Care: Increased feed is essential due to higher maintenance needs.
   • Milk Feeding:
     • 1 gallon twice daily OR
     • 3 quarts three times daily starting from Day 2.

Setting ADG Goals for Optimal Performance

• Establishing and tracking ADG is crucial for dairy success.
• Target: Double birth weight by weaning (~1.5 lbs./day ADG).

The Bigger Picture: Future Dairy Success

• The first 60 days of life shape a calf’s lifetime productivity.
• Consistent, high-quality calf care today ensures a profitable and sustainable dairy operation tomorrow.

By prioritizing pre-weaning calf health and nutrition, dairy producers can optimize performance, reduce losses, and set the foundation for long-term herd success.