Stressed: stay on top of calf nutrition with profitable receiving rations

摘要

The weaning and receiving period is the most stressful period in a calf's life. That's nothing new. That's when these highly-stressed, undernourished calves are most susceptible to disease, warns Don Gill, Extension animal nutritionist at Oklahoma State University. And it's also why the many VAC (Value-Added Calf) health programs have grown by leaps and bounds. The emphasis is on health in these VAC programs, but sometimes we forget the vital role that nutrition plays. As a result, Gill and co-worker David Lalman updated recommendations on receiving and growing rations. This is important in a state that ranks second in stocker cattle and third in beef cows.