Heat Stress in Calves

Understanding the carryover effects of early-life heat stress on dairy calves with Jimena Laporta, Assistant Professor of Lactation Physiology

Heat stress, a prevalent challenge in modern dairy farming, has been shown to have far-reaching consequences on young calves’ health, well-being, and productivity; even before they are born. This presentation will explore how heat stress affects the physiological, behavioral, and developmental aspects of calves during their critical early stages of life and highlight the long-lasting implications that persist into adulthood. Additionally, this presentation will discuss potential strategies to alleviate the detrimental impacts of heat stress on dairy calves, including housing management interventions.

Strategies for keeping calves cool in hutches with Jennifer Van Os, Dairy Animal Welfare Extension Specialist, Assistant Professor

In this brief presentation, Jennifer Van Os will continue some of the themes from Dr. Laporta’s presentation, specifically discussing collaborative work at UW-Madison to identify practical strategies for alleviating heat stress in hutch-housed dairy calves.