The use of beef semen on dairy cows has changed the playing field and redefined the meaning of “dairy beef.” Historically, purebred dairy calves that were sold into the beef production system had relatively low value and weren’t always given top-tier treatment at their dairies of origin.

Today’s dedicated calf-raising facilities regularly receive pre-weaned calves that may have traveled from a few miles to a few thousand miles. Having a plan in place for each load can help ensure that those calves settle in and take off to a healthy start in their new homes.

Winter is actually a pretty great time to raise calves. In fact, many calf raisers report their best growth rates for preweaned calves occur reliably in the winter months each year.

Even skipping a couple of sanitation steps for a few days, or failing to properly wash one piece of equipment, can lead to an outbreak of sick, scouring calves that may take weeks to reverse.

Numerous research studies over the last decade or so have shown that replacement heifers fed more closely to their nutrient needs for higher proteins and fats in the liquid-feeding phase become more productive adult animals.