If you want strong, productive cows in the future, the work starts right after a calf is born. New research from the Ontario’s University of Guelph shows that the first days and weeks of a calf’s life are the most important for its long-term health and performance.Researchers are looking at how feeding, health care, and general farm management affect calf growth. Their message is simple: a good start leads to better results later.
One of the biggest lessons is the importance of colostrum, the first milk a calf receives after birth. This milk helps build the calf’s immune system and protects it from disease. Calves that get enough good-quality colostrum early are more likely to grow well and stay healthy.
But feeding alone is not enough. Research shows that calf success comes from managing several things together. Clean housing, proper feeding, early disease detection, and careful handling all play a role. Farmers who pay attention to the whole system, not just one area, get the best results.
Good nutrition in the early stages is especially important. Feeding calves properly helps develop their stomach and improves how they use feed later in life. This leads to stronger animals and better milk production in the future.
Researchers at the University of Guelph are also working closely with farmers to answer real questions and share useful knowledge. This kind of collaboration helps ensure that research leads to practical solutions on the farm. Read more