Posted by Administrator on January 19 2012 09:42

Every fall brings an increase in calf respiratory disease. The weather fluctuations and dust levels contribute to calf stress and pneumonia. While we have enjoyed the mild winter, it has been a very long “fall” for calves and we have seen many cases of calf pneumonia that have responded poorly to treatment and recovery has been prolonged. While every farm’s situation is a bit different, there are several underlying factors to review in pneumonia outbreaks. First, review your va... [More]

Posted by Administrator on December 22 2011 16:23

Got Milk Fever? The downer cow--we've all had experiences with them, and everybody has their own remedies. Of course, there are many different causes including low calcium, magnesium, or phosphorus, trauma, septic shock, toxic mastitis, abscesses, or tumors . While each case has its own therapy, this month's edition of the Dairy Newsletter covers our treatment suggestions for the most common reason for the down cow: Hypocalcemia, better known as “Milk Fever.” Suggested treatments f... [More]

Posted by Administrator on November 22 2011 10:36

Now is the Time! Address your Calves Energy Needs Don’t let the mild fall weather fool you. Winter is coming and the baby calves on your farm are NOW in need of additional energy for maintenance and growth. When the temperature drops below 55 degrees F, the calves need to use energy to stay warm. That energy is no longer available for growth or to fight disease.  Now is the time to address your calves energy needs and increase energy so that calves continue to gain weight and have th... [More]

Posted by Administrator on November 01 2011 16:12

Welcome! This is the first edition of the Veterinary Medical Center Dairy and Dairy Calf News. This one-page newsletter will be published monthly. Our goal is to bring you timely information that will help your operation succeed. If you have any questions or comments on any item you see in the newsletter, please give us a call. We are proud to be your animal health service and product supplier. Quick Guide to Preventing Failure of Passive Transfer in Calves We get many calls regarding calf he... [More]

Posted by Dr. Sara Barber on February 02 2011 14:46

Fresh Cows ♦ Option One ♦  1. Test milk three days after calving.  2. Cows over 600,000 are considered for treatment.3. Compare the PortaCheck SCC to her dry-off SCC.4. If she was high SCC at dry-off, culture sample to determine bacteria type.5. If she was low SCC at dry-off, take sample for culture and either treat with Pirsue once a day for three days or wait for culture results before treatment. ♦ Option Two ♦ 1. After monthl... [More]

Posted by Dr. Sara Barber on February 02 2011 11:07

As summer comes to end, it is time to review your dairy’s parasite control program.  Any animal that was on pasture during the summer, even for a few weeks, was exposed to internal parasites.  These stomach and intestinal worms can cause a variety of problems depending upon how many parasites have infected the animal.  Severely infected animals can have diarrhea, weight loss, and be unthrifty.  Most infected animals do not show any physical signs of infection but will h... [More]

Posted by Dr. Sara Hooge on June 30 2009 08:47

Cryptosporidium (Crypto)   Cryptosporidiosis (crypto), a disease affecting both animals and humans, is caused by the organism Cryptosporidium Not bacteria or a virus...a protozoa Can affect mice, pigs, lambs, calves, dogs, cats, horses, and PEOPLE...so be careful!! How does it cause diarrhea? Invades the lining of the gut, kills the cells that absorb nutrients low nutrient absorption leads to water loss to gut leading to secondary milk fermentation and dehydration which results... [More]

Posted by Administrator on June 26 2009 08:46

Trial A blind study will be performed to test the effectiveness of the Salmonella choleraesuis vaccine intranasally in 2-4 day old dairy calves. Mustard seed oil used to treat calves with signs of Salmonella??" Calves will be challenge on day 7 of the trial. Calves will be monitored 7-14 days post challenge. Length of time will be determined based on morbidity and mortality of the calves. Arrival Procedures Each calf will have their blood pulled and total protein tested. Each calf wi... [More]

Posted by Dr. Steve Dudley on June 25 2009 16:25

Calf Hutches: 1.Calves: Spray or dust, head to tail Dust each with Zipcide or Cylence 1–2 oz as needed Prozap Insectrin 1% Xtra- spray ½ oz per 100 lbs as needed 2.Hutch: Apply to all interior surfaces Prozap Insectrin X Mix 3.2 ounces in 1 gallon water, apply using a pump sprayer to cover the interior of the Hutch- reapply every two weeks Demand CS Mix 0.08 oz per 1 gallon water, apply using a pump sprayer to cover the interior of the Hutch- reapply every two weeks 3... [More]

Posted by Dr. Sara Hooge on June 22 2009 13:52

Ideal barn Protection from the elements for workers. All-in-all-out and filled within 2 weeks. Barn should be able to be cleaned/disinfected between groups. Sidewall – 14 ft. Cement – 3 ft Two roll type curtains. The bottom –8 ft and rolls up and the top curtain – 2 ft and rolls down. Width – 40-50 feet Open ridge Eaves on both sides to prevent water coming in the sides. Control the microenvironment of each calf to allow for low total airborne ba... [More]