Calf health and management
Taika von Königslöw, assistant Professor at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, spoke at the 2026 New Hampshire Dairy Management Conference, explaining the complexities of calf health and management. Calves are extremely vulnerable within their first few days of life, but it’s essential for farmers to prioritize calves’ health before they’re even born.
Königslöw is a strong believer that management decisions for the pregnant cow can affect the health of the unborn calf, and for many generations to follow. She believes that understanding prenatal determinants such as nutrition, vaccinations, temperature, crowding and more is essential to growing a healthy and productive calf.
Heat stress can have a multi-generational effect, impacting both the cow and calves’ health and current/future milk production. Temperature should be properly monitored, keeping the environment between 32º and 65º F. Anything below 32º can cause their water to freeze and lead to dehydration.
Since calves are born with weak immune systems, it’s important to properly vaccinate the cow to ensure the calf receives antibodies through her colostrum. This technique only works if the vaccine is provided with enough lead time to affect the colostrum, and it’s used as directed.
When the cow is ready to calf, she should be placed in a prepared maternity pen that minimizes disease exposure, ensures umbilical hygiene and is kept at an ideal temperature. The staff should have a clear protocol on how to care for the cow and the calf during and after calving.
Königslöw stressed the importance of monitoring the animal that is starting to calf and knowing when to intervene. “If you’re not seeing any progression … catch her, see what’s going on, and if you can’t fix it yourself, make that phone call,” she said.
Once the calf is born, consistently monitoring and caring for them in the first 48 hours of life is essential. Paying attention to “the 5 Cs of calf care” – colostrum, calories, cleanliness, comfort and consistency – can set you up for success. Monitor the calf’s heart rate and respiratory rate to check for signs of distress, and intervene as needed. Be sure to conduct good navel care to prevent bacteria from entering the calf’s system. Monitor the barn temperature, as calves are not great at self-regulating their body temperature.
Calves should ideally be given two feedings of colostrum within their first 24 hours of life to not only help build their immune systems but to also “signal that calf for growth.” Once fed their colostrum, calves can be fed milk replacer or transition milk and provided water immediately. Be sure to adjust the feed amount based on the weather, as the calf will need more calories during colder weather to thermally regulate. Try to weigh your calves when you can to track their growth and make sure they’re hitting their target weights.
There are many ways you can house your calves, including individual housing and small group/pair housing, but whichever you choose, try to find ways to ease their transition into their new home. In their new housing system, be sure to maintain good ventilation, keep the calves clean, dry and well-fed, and frequently monitor them for signs of sickness and feed intake.
Adjust your management practices based on the weather/ season, providing extra bedding and jackets in the colder seasons and extra water buckets and fans in the warm seasons.
There are many common health problems to look for in calves during their first 60 days of life, including scours/ diarrhea and pneumonia. Calves with these diseases commonly have decreased milk production in their first lactation and are older at their first calving.
When it’s officially time to wean your calves, have a protocol to follow, including a nutrition plan, and consistent monitoring and recording to prevent a growth slump. You can see how successful your weaning process is by monitoring calves’ success, health and needs post-weaning.
If the performance on your farm is not when you’re expecting, do whatever you can to find out why. You can get your calf colostrum/milk tested, get the air quality in the barn assessed, analyze the animals’ manure, look over health records and even incorporate precision livestock technology including active tags, collars and cameras.
Don’t be afraid to contact your veterinarian, nutritionist or any other consultant to help strengthen your herd.
by Kelsi Devolve
