K-state's guide to maximizing calf health and profits

By Scout Nelson

As the fields turn lush with green grass, it's the perfect scene for managing young calves. Experts from the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute provided valuable insights on calf management during a recent episode of the Cattle Chat podcast.

Veterinarian Brian Lubbers emphasized the importance of timely procedures for young calves, including castration and vaccinations against diseases like clostridial, which vary based on the castration method. Bob Larson, another veterinarian, recommended parasite control as young calves has low resilience to internal parasites and benefit greatly from deworming treatments.

Phillip Lancaster, a beef nutritionist, advised on the nutrition aspect, explaining that offering creep feed might not be cost-effective at this stage due to high milk production from the cow and the calf's developing rumen, which gradually leads to increased grass consumption.

On the marketing front, agricultural economist Dustin Pendell highlighted the importance of having a health protocol for calves, as some marketing programs require it. He also mentioned the availability of insurance policies that provide risk protection for livestock, crucial for planning in cattle management.

These strategies shared by the K-State experts are designed to ensure the health and economic success of calves, marking late spring as the ideal time for implementing these management techniques.

Photo Credit -gettyimages-diane-kuhl