How do we know if we have a lameness problem? How big is the problem? What is the cause? To get a lameness problem under control, we must answer these three questions. To go about evaluating lameness in your herd, see the recent paper by Socha and others.>> Using Locomotion Scoring To Put Together A Program To Reduce Lameness On The Dairy

Of course, longevity starts with the newborn calves. A calf that encounters a minimum of stress and disease problems much more likely to be a highly productive cow. One of the big stresses in a calf's life can be cold temperatures at birth. Sam Leadley of Attica Vet Clinic has produced an informative article on how and why to use calf blankets to counteract cold stress in newborns.

Sam has recently written another article to help relieve stress in calves, this time concerning the stresses of weaning. Calves that are weaned before they are ready will definitely be stressed. Use Sam's Weaning Checklist to make sure all calves are properly prepared for weaning.