2024 Michigan Dairy Health Symposium - The Science of healthier calves

By Angel Abuelo

The Michigan Dairy Health Symposium is organized every other year by the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine and the Michigan State University Extension Dairy Team. This one-day event focuses on a different area of dairy health management each time. On Feb. 29, 2024, the 4^th edition of the Michigan Dairy Health Symposium will focus on calf health management.

Calf management is a critical area of cattle operations worldwide. The pre-weaning period is critical for the growth and future productivity of heifers. However, dairy cattle producers and their veterinarians continue to face important, ongoing and emerging challenges regarding calf management. Average morbidity and mortality risks remain above desirable levels in most countries. Diseases during the pre-weaning stage negatively impact the lifelong productivity of replacement heifers. Similarly, greater pre-weaned heifer growth rates have been linked to better performance after entering the lactating herd. Therefore, ensuring adequate health and growth of calves is critical. Since replacement rearing represents between 15 - 20% of total dairy production costs, practices that contribute to better growth and reduced disease incidence are critical for ensuring the sustainability of the dairy industry and its capacity to meet food demands for the growing world population.

Much research related to calf health has been conducted in the last decade, and recommended calf management practices have evolved tremendously. In this one-day event, internationally renowned calf experts will discuss some of the most recent research regarding calf nutrition, welfare, behavior and health management, focusing on providing evidence-based recommendations that producers and veterinarians can implement in their farms immediately. In addition, we will have lightning research talks and poster sessions to showcase some of the more recent dairy research from MSU. The program will provide 7 hours of continuing education for veterinarians and veterinary technicians.