An Update on Management Programs for Holstein Calves

Holstein calves (both bulls and heifers) are of great financial importance to both dairies and feedyards in the desert southwest. For steers, their availability and uniformity and overall production have out weighed the potential deficits in carcass characteristics (smaller and elongated ribeye area, increase kidney, pelvic and heart fat, etc.) and increased maintenance costs. In Arizona alone, an estimated 300,000 Holstein steers are raised in beef production facilities. At the current price of approximately $0.80/lb, the live value of the animals is well over $300,000,000. Nutrition and management during the first few weeks of life has long-term impacts on animal productivity (Van Amburgh 2003; 2008). In addition to general performance of the animals, health of the milk-fed calf remains a primary road block to profitability. In 2006, overall death losses of heifers born in 2006 and alive 48 h were reported to be 7.8% (USDA APHIS, 2007). Although data are not available for Holstein bull calves, death losses have been reported to range from 7.7% for bull calves reared for beef to as high as 26.1% in a bull beef ranch in California (Berge et al., 2009). Scours, diarrhea, or other digestive problems caused 56.5% of the reported deaths followed by respiratory 22.5% in unweaned heifers (USDAAPHIS, 2007). Morbidity of dairy calves is less available. Morbidity of dairy calves encompasses several mechanisms. Diarrhea can be a problem at times and if left unchecked, the animals succumb to dehydration and death. In addition, respiratory disease complex may be a problem. Respiratory disease is a viral/bacterial disease. However; Rivera et al. (2003) pointed out that exacerbating factors, such as degree of stress, previous plane of nutrition, genetic, and previous health history, interact with exposure to viral and bacterial agents in beef cattle. The long-term consequences of morbidity include lighter final body weight and decreased average daily gain, lighter carcasses, lesser percentage of carcasses grading USDA Choice or better compared with animals never treated for respiratory disease. Several nutrition and management considerations may influence morbidity and mortality of Holstein calves. Therefore, improving performance of Holstein calves will have a tremendous impact on the economy in Arizona.