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Dr. Alan, Arizona Veterinarian
Myth: Baby calves are mistreated and don’t receive proper attention.

Fact: To help protect calves, dairy farmers place the animals in clean, dry, individual pens shortly after birth to control their environment, administer proper nutrition and vaccinations, and get them off to a healthy start.

  • The future of any dairy herd depends on the health of newborn calves.
  • Farmers place calves in clean, dry, individual pens shortly after birth. This ensures the safety of the calf as it is given individual care. Farmers bottle-feed calves individually to make sure they receive good nutrition. In fact, calves almost always miss out on their mother’s “first milk” (or colostrum, which is rich in fat, protein and natural immunity) if the farmer does not assist.
  • Calves receive regular visits from the veterinarian to administer proper vaccinations and ensure healthy herds.
  • Want to learn more? Click here to view our fact sheets about life on the farm.

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