Abstract Neonatal and weaning periods are the most challenging phases for enteric infections in dairy calves. While different approaches used to minimize calf health issues, neonatal diet remains core approach enhance pre- post-weaning animal performance. Previous studies have shown that bioactive compounds, including oligosaccharides present of calves, enhanced their growth performance post-we...

continued on page 2 Manuel Chamorro, DVM Clinical Instructor College of Veterinary Medicine The bovine fetus has a type of placentation that does not permit contact between maternal and fetal blood and therefore does not permit passive transfer of immunoglobulins (Ig) from the mother to her fetus. The bovine calf is born agammaglobulinemic and depends on the intake of an adequate amount of mate...

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of pre-weaning concentrate feeding in early-weaned (EW, day 90) or traditionally weaned (TW, day 150) autumn-born beef calves on growth, feed intake and feed efficiency, and carcass and meat quality. Twenty-eight male calves were either EW or TW, and offered a starter concentrate (S) or no additional feed (NS) during the pre-weaning period. Therefore...

Intake and annual performance of Limousin × Holstein-Friesian and Simmental × Holstein-Friesian beef suckler cows, and pre-weaning growth of their calves Beef cross dairy heifers remain a significant source of replacement breeding stock for the suckler herd in Ireland. Previous studies at this centre have compared Hereford × Friesian beef suckler dams with Charolais × Friesian and Limousin × Fr...

The early social environment can influence the health and behaviour of animals, with effects lasting into adulthood. In Europe, around 60% of dairy calves are reared individually during their first eight weeks of life, while others may be housed in pairs or small groups. This study assessed the effects of varying degrees of social contact on weaning stress, health and production during pen rear...