On 19th May 2026, the sales team attended an engaging and highly informative training day at GB Corners in Northallerton, delivered in collaboration with Cargill. The day was split into two key focus areas, beginning with calf and youngstock management in the morning and moving into a detailed exploration of heat stress in the afternoon. The learning demonstrated that many of the challenges faced on farm are not always as visible as they seem.
Morning Session: Calf & Youngstock Management
It Starts Before the Calf is Born
The morning session began in the dry cow shed, where the team focused on the importance of cleanliness and how the calf’s life effectively begins before it is even born. Attention to hygiene at this stage plays a crucial role in setting calves up for a healthy and productive future
Colostrum Quality. Don’t Guess, Measure
Swift administration of colostrum is critical but using a Brix refractometer to measure colostrum quality was also reinforced as a vital management tool to ensure they are receiving enough IgG.
Spotting Illness Early
From there, the group moved into the calf shed to observe calf behaviour and understand how to identify early signs of illness. One of the key indicators discussed was respiratory rate, with a normal range sitting between 50 and 75 breaths per minute. Recognising subtle changes early allows for quicker intervention and better health outcomes.
Automatic Feeders. The Detail Matters
The session also covered the use of automatic calf feeders, where cleanliness and consistency were highlighted as critical factors. It was clear that correct milk mixing is essential, both in terms of concentration and temperature. The presence of orange staining in pipes was noted as a warning sign, indicating that milk may be overheating and fats separating. Regular recalibration of feeders with every new pallet of milk replacer was emphasised, alongside the importance of using a thermometer to ensure accuracy of milk temperature. When it comes to calf health, monitoring temperature is equally important as looking out for signs such as alertness of the calves and faeces consistency/colour.
The Pre-Weaning Window. Don’t Miss It
Nutrition formed another key part of the discussion, particularly the value of maximising performance during the pre-weaning stage. During this period, feed conversion rates are at their highest, reaching around 50–55%, making it the most efficient time for growth. This efficiency drops significantly later in life, falling to around 29% at their first calving, which highlights the importance of getting early nutrition right. Environmental management was also discussed, with a focus on calf comfort. Calves under three weeks of age are particularly vulnerable to cold stress when temperatures fall below 15 degrees, and the use of calf jackets can help maintain body temperature. However, after three weeks, these should be removed to allow calves to regulate their own temperature naturally.
Afternoon Session: Heat Stress – it’s Not Just a Summer Problem
The Reading That Surprised Everyone
In the afternoon, attention shifted to heat stress, an area that proved particularly enlightening given the day’s weather conditions. Using THI monitors, the team discovered that despite it feeling cold and wet, the reading was 63 THI, which sits within the borderline heat stress category. This reinforced the point that heat stress is not solely a summer issue and can impact cows even when it does not feel warm to us. The comparison between heat production in humans and cows brought this to life, with humans producing the equivalent heat of one lightbulb, while cows produce around 100, making them far more susceptible to overheating.
The Impact on Fertility and Performance
The impact of heat stress on fertility was a major focus, demonstrating how even mild stress can have significant implications for herd performance. Practical solutions were explored, including the use of fans positioned over bedding areas or feed spaces to improve airflow and keep cows cool, as well as nutritional support such as Cool Cow, which helps reduce internal body temperature.
Dry Cows – The Most Critical Group
The dry cow group was highlighted as the most important to manage in terms of heat stress, as they are carrying the next generation. It was particularly striking to learn that a cow carrying a heifer calf can influence three generations at once. The cow herself, her unborn calf, and the future lifetime productivity of that calf are all affected, as the heifer is already developing her lifetime supply of eggs while in utero. This makes effective heat stress management in dry cows critical for long-term herd success. Strategies such as cooling through fans and avoiding deep bedding, which can trap heat, were discussed as simple but effective measures. The use of Cool Calver was also covered, noting that it contains Diamond V, meaning additional yeast or buffer supplementation is not required.
The Takeaway
Overall, the training day provided the sales team with valuable, practical insights into both calf rearing and heat stress management. It reinforced the importance of attention to detail, early intervention, and proactive management, while also highlighting how conditions that may not seem obvious can still have a significant impact on animal health and performance.
Days like this exist to sharpen that awareness, and the insights our team brought back from Northallerton feed directly into the advice they give on farm.
Want to talk through calf management, heat stress, or dry cow nutrition on your farm? Get in touch with your Dugdale nutritionist or contact us at 01200 420200
