WEBVTT 00:00:10.290 --> 00:00:12.949 You're listening to The Bullvine Podcast, where 00:00:12.949 --> 00:00:15.869 science meets the stanchion. Today, we're diving 00:00:15.869 --> 00:00:19.210 into the 72 -hour survival zone with next -gen 00:00:19.210 --> 00:00:21.769 strategies that are rewriting calf mortality 00:00:21.769 --> 00:00:26.019 math in 2025. Imagine slashing newborn deaths 00:00:26.019 --> 00:00:29.579 by 40 % using aviation -style checklists and 00:00:29.579 --> 00:00:32.759 AI that spots sick calves before they show symptoms. 00:00:33.020 --> 00:00:35.259 We'll break down four battle -tested tactics 00:00:35.259 --> 00:00:38.759 from Dutch dairies to Wisconsin innovators, including 00:00:38.759 --> 00:00:42.679 how $18 colostrum boosts deliver 19 % survival 00:00:42.679 --> 00:00:46.079 gains and why heat -treated colostrum might be 00:00:46.079 --> 00:00:49.420 your silent profit killer. Stick around. By the 00:00:49.420 --> 00:00:51.299 end of this episode, you'll have a three -step 00:00:51.299 --> 00:00:54.179 action plan to implement before your next calving 00:00:54.179 --> 00:00:56.979 shift. Let's revolutionize those critical first 00:00:56.979 --> 00:01:00.679 72 hours together. Well, all right then. Let's 00:01:00.679 --> 00:01:05.480 dive right into it. 12 .1%. Wow. Yeah. That's 00:01:05.480 --> 00:01:07.400 the head -scratching figure for heifer mortality 00:01:07.400 --> 00:01:10.640 here in the good old U .S. of A. 12%. That's 00:01:10.640 --> 00:01:13.840 huge. It really is. Now picture this. You're 00:01:13.840 --> 00:01:17.000 in Norway. maybe looking at a fjord, and their 00:01:17.000 --> 00:01:19.700 calf mortality rate. Much lower, I bet. You got 00:01:19.700 --> 00:01:23.260 it. A remarkably low 2 % to 3%. 2 % to 3%, okay. 00:01:23.359 --> 00:01:24.900 Kind of makes you stop and think, doesn't it? 00:01:24.980 --> 00:01:27.819 Are we just accepting losses that, well... when 00:01:27.819 --> 00:01:30.620 you look at those numbers, seem frankly avoidable. 00:01:30.719 --> 00:01:33.859 That Norwegian statistic certainly throws down 00:01:33.859 --> 00:01:36.920 the gauntlet. It forces us to ask, you know, 00:01:36.920 --> 00:01:39.060 can we really elevate our game? Beyond the basics. 00:01:39.439 --> 00:01:41.620 Exactly. Beyond the dairy management 101 stuff 00:01:41.620 --> 00:01:43.200 we've all been operating under. Yeah. Can we 00:01:43.200 --> 00:01:45.439 embrace genuinely next generation strategies? 00:01:45.780 --> 00:01:47.920 To give our calves a much stronger start. Right. 00:01:48.200 --> 00:01:50.260 Right from the get -go. That's the goal. Absolutely. 00:01:50.280 --> 00:01:52.799 Because let's face it, losing a calf, it punches 00:01:52.799 --> 00:01:56.040 you in more ways than one. That $450 to $750 00:01:56.040 --> 00:01:58.579 hit per calf loss, that's real money walking 00:01:58.579 --> 00:02:00.700 off the farm. Oh, for sure. It adds up fast. 00:02:00.959 --> 00:02:03.040 But there's also that knot in your stomach, right? 00:02:03.599 --> 00:02:05.980 That feeling you've let down an animal that was 00:02:05.980 --> 00:02:07.980 counting on you. Yeah. It's the kind of thing 00:02:07.980 --> 00:02:09.979 that keeps you up those long nights in the calving 00:02:09.979 --> 00:02:12.819 barn. Precisely. And that emotional investment 00:02:12.819 --> 00:02:15.039 we have in our animals, it's often overlooked 00:02:15.039 --> 00:02:18.960 in the spreadsheets. Our aim today isn't solely 00:02:18.960 --> 00:02:21.360 about bolstering the bottom line, though, you 00:02:21.360 --> 00:02:24.000 know, that's certainly a welcome outcome. Definitely 00:02:24.000 --> 00:02:26.199 helps. It's also about enhancing animal well 00:02:26.199 --> 00:02:29.740 -being and, let's be honest, injecting a little 00:02:29.740 --> 00:02:33.520 less stress into those intense first 72 hours. 00:02:33.800 --> 00:02:36.120 So what's the plan of attack for this deep dive? 00:02:36.479 --> 00:02:38.659 We're not just going to rehash the basics of 00:02:38.659 --> 00:02:41.060 getting some colostrum into those newborns. Nope. 00:02:41.530 --> 00:02:44.090 We need to go deeper. We're plunging into Colostrum 00:02:44.090 --> 00:02:47.110 2 .0 things, strategically boosting those all 00:02:47.110 --> 00:02:50.750 -important immunoglobulin Gs, those IgGs. And 00:02:50.750 --> 00:02:53.930 navigating the complexities of, like, heat treatment. 00:02:54.189 --> 00:02:56.590 That's a big one. Yeah, definitely. We'll also 00:02:56.590 --> 00:02:58.689 be exploring some truly fascinating technologies 00:02:58.689 --> 00:03:01.870 designed to spot potential health issues in those 00:03:01.870 --> 00:03:03.909 critical early hours. Before we can even see 00:03:03.909 --> 00:03:06.860 them. Often, yeah. Before any visual cues might 00:03:06.860 --> 00:03:10.360 alert us, wearable sensors are evolving really 00:03:10.360 --> 00:03:13.520 rapidly. And hold on to your hats, because we're 00:03:13.520 --> 00:03:16.219 also venturing into the realm of AI, artificial 00:03:16.219 --> 00:03:18.219 intelligence. Right there in the calving pen. 00:03:18.400 --> 00:03:20.900 Exactly. We're talking about smart cameras that 00:03:20.900 --> 00:03:23.479 can predict calving with an accuracy that might 00:03:23.479 --> 00:03:26.439 just, well, rival your most seasoned calving 00:03:26.439 --> 00:03:28.699 crew. It's pretty amazing stuff. And finally, 00:03:28.699 --> 00:03:30.840 we'll be examining something deceptively simple, 00:03:30.960 --> 00:03:35.120 yet incredibly powerful. The humble checklist. 00:03:35.479 --> 00:03:38.800 Back to basics, but effective. We'll see how 00:03:38.800 --> 00:03:41.080 adopting a practice honed in, like aviation, 00:03:41.159 --> 00:03:43.479 can lead to dramatic improvements right after 00:03:43.479 --> 00:03:46.240 birth. Okay. So our mission, should you choose 00:03:46.240 --> 00:03:47.979 to accept it, and trust me, your balance sheet 00:03:47.979 --> 00:03:50.599 will thank you in 2025, is to equip you with 00:03:50.599 --> 00:03:53.379 actionable insights. Grounded in solid data. 00:03:53.520 --> 00:03:56.219 Right. To significantly elevate your calf survival 00:03:56.219 --> 00:03:58.699 rates. So are we ready to roll up our sleeves 00:03:58.699 --> 00:04:01.039 and get into the thick of it? Let's do it. Now, 00:04:01.139 --> 00:04:04.099 regarding colostrum. We all get the fundamental 00:04:04.099 --> 00:04:06.240 importance, right? Get it in early sufficient 00:04:06.240 --> 00:04:09.000 quantity. Sure, colostrum 101. But the emerging 00:04:09.000 --> 00:04:11.439 data suggests we need a more refined approach. 00:04:12.400 --> 00:04:15.300 It's not simply about volume and timing anymore. 00:04:15.560 --> 00:04:17.959 It's more nuanced. It's increasingly about the 00:04:17.959 --> 00:04:20.459 quality specifically, that concentration of protective 00:04:20.459 --> 00:04:23.600 IgGs and the consistency of that first feeding. 00:04:23.779 --> 00:04:25.300 Right. It's like we've been operating on the 00:04:25.300 --> 00:04:28.129 assumption that, you know. Any colostrum is good 00:04:28.129 --> 00:04:30.910 enough. But the reality is there's a spectrum, 00:04:30.990 --> 00:04:33.910 and we should be aiming for the high end, especially 00:04:33.910 --> 00:04:36.490 for those calves that need it most. Exactly. 00:04:36.589 --> 00:04:38.629 And that brings us to the intriguing practice 00:04:38.629 --> 00:04:42.009 of IgG supplementation. Okay, tell me about that. 00:04:42.149 --> 00:04:45.550 Precisely. We're talking about proactively enriching 00:04:45.550 --> 00:04:48.089 the maternal colostrum with commercially available 00:04:48.089 --> 00:04:52.149 IgG replacers. So adding a booster? Essentially, 00:04:52.290 --> 00:04:55.180 yes. This is particularly beneficial for calves 00:04:55.180 --> 00:04:57.699 that have experienced a challenging birth on 00:04:57.699 --> 00:05:00.879 his mersons. Think assisted deliveries or C -sections. 00:05:01.160 --> 00:05:03.639 Those really vulnerable ones. Right. Think about 00:05:03.639 --> 00:05:06.300 it. These calves are often already at a disadvantage. 00:05:06.620 --> 00:05:09.060 They might be slower to get up, less vigorous 00:05:09.060 --> 00:05:11.540 when it comes to nursing effectively on their 00:05:11.540 --> 00:05:13.939 own. They're starting life already a little behind 00:05:13.939 --> 00:05:16.300 the eight ball, so giving them a concentrated 00:05:16.300 --> 00:05:19.779 dose of antibodies right away just makes intuitive 00:05:19.779 --> 00:05:22.079 sense. It's like providing an immediate boost 00:05:22.079 --> 00:05:24.040 to their developing immune system when they need 00:05:24.040 --> 00:05:26.759 it most. Okay. And the return on investment data 00:05:26.759 --> 00:05:29.680 here is quite compelling. Let's consider maternal 00:05:29.680 --> 00:05:32.860 colostrum, with a baseline BRICS reading at around 00:05:32.860 --> 00:05:36.060 22%. Okay, standard stuff. Now, the research 00:05:36.060 --> 00:05:38.959 shows that by adding just a modest 50 grams of 00:05:38.959 --> 00:05:41.959 a quality IgG replacer, 50 grams. Okay. You can 00:05:41.959 --> 00:05:44.420 see an average increase in serum IgG levels in 00:05:44.420 --> 00:05:48.740 the calf at 24 hours to around 24 .1 grams per 00:05:48.740 --> 00:05:51.189 liter. That sounds pretty good. But more importantly, 00:05:51.329 --> 00:05:54.329 this translates to a significant 19 % reduction 00:05:54.329 --> 00:05:58.009 in pre -weaning mortality. 19%. For a relatively 00:05:58.009 --> 00:06:01.829 small investment of just $18 per calf. $18 to 00:06:01.829 --> 00:06:04.290 potentially save a calf. In today's environment, 00:06:04.370 --> 00:06:06.290 that's a pretty attractive proposition. And a 00:06:06.290 --> 00:06:09.550 19 % drop in mortality is nothing to sneeze at. 00:06:09.750 --> 00:06:12.290 Exactly. Now, the data also looks at the scenario 00:06:12.290 --> 00:06:13.990 of heat -treating colostrum, which we know is 00:06:13.990 --> 00:06:16.129 good for reducing bacteria. Right. Kills the 00:06:16.129 --> 00:06:18.680 bugs. And then supplementing with a larger 100 00:06:18.680 --> 00:06:21.800 -gram IgG replacer. Okay, double the dose. While 00:06:21.800 --> 00:06:23.980 this approach also showed a reduction in mortality, 00:06:24.220 --> 00:06:28.220 around 14%, the resulting serum IgG levels in 00:06:28.220 --> 00:06:31.220 the calves were actually slightly lower, averaging 00:06:31.220 --> 00:06:35.899 21 .7 grams per liter. Huh, lower IgG. Yeah, 00:06:35.939 --> 00:06:38.959 and the cost per calf increased to $24. Okay. 00:06:39.319 --> 00:06:42.139 So based on this evidence, that plus 50 gram 00:06:42.139 --> 00:06:45.120 replacer strategy seems to offer a more favorable 00:06:45.120 --> 00:06:48.279 balance of cost and effectiveness. So less might 00:06:48.279 --> 00:06:50.540 be more here, or at least more cost effective. 00:06:50.819 --> 00:06:53.240 It seems so. The key insight isn't just throwing 00:06:53.240 --> 00:06:55.519 more money at it, but strategically targeting 00:06:55.519 --> 00:06:57.879 those vulnerable calves for the biggest impact 00:06:57.879 --> 00:07:00.160 on survival. Absolutely. It's about being smart 00:07:00.160 --> 00:07:02.579 with your resources, focusing them where they'll 00:07:02.579 --> 00:07:05.449 yield the greatest benefit. Now, this brings 00:07:05.449 --> 00:07:07.850 us to that often debated topic of heat treatment. 00:07:07.949 --> 00:07:10.410 We get the rationale killing off those harmful 00:07:10.410 --> 00:07:12.529 bacteria, but there's this counterpoint about 00:07:12.529 --> 00:07:14.790 potentially damaging the very thing we're trying 00:07:14.790 --> 00:07:17.769 to preserve, those crucial antibodies. That's 00:07:17.769 --> 00:07:20.189 a critical point. While heat treatment is indeed 00:07:20.189 --> 00:07:22.170 effective at reducing the load of pathogenic 00:07:22.170 --> 00:07:25.029 bacteria. Which is good. A meta -analysis, which, 00:07:25.129 --> 00:07:28.529 for listeners, is basically a study combining 00:07:28.529 --> 00:07:31.769 results from lots of other studies for a bigger 00:07:31.769 --> 00:07:34.199 picture. Gotcha. Yeah. Highlights a potential 00:07:34.199 --> 00:07:36.500 downside. It can actually increase the viscosity 00:07:36.500 --> 00:07:39.079 of the colostrum. Makes it thicker. Yeah, thicker 00:07:39.079 --> 00:07:41.540 and potentially more difficult for the newborn 00:07:41.540 --> 00:07:44.420 calf to swallow and absorb properly. Like trying 00:07:44.420 --> 00:07:47.300 to get thick molasses through a straw. Not exactly 00:07:47.300 --> 00:07:50.279 ideal for a calf that's just entered the world. 00:07:50.420 --> 00:07:53.279 Precisely. Yeah. But perhaps even more concerning 00:07:53.279 --> 00:07:56.620 is the finding from this meta -analysis. that 00:07:56.620 --> 00:07:58.620 heat treatment can lead to a reduction in the 00:07:58.620 --> 00:08:00.819 concentration of those vital IgG antibodies. 00:08:01.060 --> 00:08:04.139 Really? By how much? On average, by about 7 .4 00:08:04.139 --> 00:08:07.199 grams per liter, which is roughly a 15 % decrease. 00:08:08.220 --> 00:08:11.819 15%. That could significantly compromise the 00:08:11.819 --> 00:08:14.000 passive transfer of immunity we're aiming for. 00:08:14.120 --> 00:08:16.420 It absolutely could. So we're essentially caught 00:08:16.420 --> 00:08:18.560 in a bit of a bind. We want to eliminate the 00:08:18.560 --> 00:08:20.980 bad bugs, but doing so might weaken the very 00:08:20.980 --> 00:08:23.319 defense system we're trying to bolster. It is 00:08:23.319 --> 00:08:26.589 a delicate balance. The nuanced takeaway here 00:08:26.589 --> 00:08:29.980 for producers is... maybe consider routinely 00:08:29.980 --> 00:08:34.080 testing the IgG concentration of your raw colostrum 00:08:34.080 --> 00:08:37.019 before you heat treat it. Pass first. Okay. If 00:08:37.019 --> 00:08:39.879 your initial IgG levels are already kind of borderline, 00:08:40.080 --> 00:08:42.759 that 15 % reduction from heat treatment could 00:08:42.759 --> 00:08:44.980 push those calves into a significantly higher 00:08:44.980 --> 00:08:47.360 risk category for failure of passive transfer. 00:08:47.519 --> 00:08:50.340 Right. In such cases, a more strategic approach 00:08:50.340 --> 00:08:52.980 might involve either adjusting your heat treatment 00:08:52.980 --> 00:08:55.659 protocols, if possible, or maybe considering 00:08:55.659 --> 00:08:58.320 supplementing with an IgG replacer after heat 00:08:58.320 --> 00:08:59.360 treatment. heat treatment. To make up for the 00:08:59.360 --> 00:09:01.960 difference. Exactly. To ensure an adequate dose 00:09:01.960 --> 00:09:04.440 of antibodies is actually delivered. That's a 00:09:04.440 --> 00:09:06.620 really important distinction. Knowing your baseline 00:09:06.620 --> 00:09:09.220 IgG quality is key to making smart decisions 00:09:09.220 --> 00:09:11.620 about heat treatment and supplementation. Okay, 00:09:11.679 --> 00:09:13.899 so we've delved into the nuances of Colostrum 00:09:13.899 --> 00:09:16.919 2 .0. Now, let's shift gears. Let's talk about 00:09:16.919 --> 00:09:19.220 leveraging technology for early illness detection. 00:09:19.519 --> 00:09:22.399 Because, as we all know, by the time a calf is 00:09:22.399 --> 00:09:24.879 visibly sick, well, you're often playing catch 00:09:24.879 --> 00:09:28.019 -up. That's precisely the challenge. Early detection 00:09:28.019 --> 00:09:30.539 allows for timelier intervention, which leads 00:09:30.539 --> 00:09:32.559 to better treatment outcomes and less overall 00:09:32.559 --> 00:09:35.740 impact from disease on calf health and performance. 00:09:36.019 --> 00:09:38.419 Makes sense. This is where the advancements in 00:09:38.419 --> 00:09:40.860 wearable sensor technology are becoming increasingly 00:09:40.860 --> 00:09:44.620 relevant. We're moving beyond relying solely 00:09:44.620 --> 00:09:47.440 on our daily visual checks. Exactly. Forget just 00:09:47.440 --> 00:09:49.200 walking through the pens and looking for the 00:09:49.200 --> 00:09:51.960 obviously down or scouring calf. We're talking 00:09:51.960 --> 00:09:55.309 proactive, continuous monitoring. Through these 00:09:55.309 --> 00:09:58.929 smart sensors, tiny devices on ear tags, halters, 00:09:59.049 --> 00:10:02.350 neck collars, even leg bands. It sounds like 00:10:02.350 --> 00:10:04.649 something straight out of science fiction, but 00:10:04.649 --> 00:10:07.330 it's here now. It might sound futuristic, but 00:10:07.330 --> 00:10:10.429 the tech is becoming more accessible and pretty 00:10:10.429 --> 00:10:13.039 sophisticated. These sensors continuously monitor 00:10:13.039 --> 00:10:15.460 a range of vital signs and behaviors. Like what 00:10:15.460 --> 00:10:17.440 specifically? Things like core body temperature, 00:10:17.700 --> 00:10:19.840 levels of physical activity, patterns of feeding, 00:10:19.980 --> 00:10:22.980 and even in older calves, rumination patterns. 00:10:23.279 --> 00:10:25.580 So it's like having a silent, tireless health 00:10:25.580 --> 00:10:28.220 monitor on every single calf. Pretty much. What's 00:10:28.220 --> 00:10:30.799 particularly fascinating is that these systems 00:10:30.799 --> 00:10:33.639 can apparently detect subtle deviations from 00:10:33.639 --> 00:10:36.799 normal baselines that our human eyes might totally 00:10:36.799 --> 00:10:39.240 miss in the early stages. That's the crucial 00:10:39.240 --> 00:10:42.120 advantage. We might only notice a calf has a 00:10:42.120 --> 00:10:44.539 reduced appetite when it's already significantly 00:10:44.539 --> 00:10:46.980 off its feed, right? Yeah, when it's obvious. 00:10:47.399 --> 00:10:49.340 These sensors can often pick up those initial 00:10:49.340 --> 00:10:52.960 subtle dips in activity or slight rises in body 00:10:52.960 --> 00:10:56.039 temp that signal an emerging health challenge. 00:10:56.320 --> 00:10:58.960 How much earlier are we talking? Sometimes up 00:10:58.960 --> 00:11:01.440 to 12 hours before clinical signs become apparent 00:11:01.440 --> 00:11:04.409 to us. That early warning system can be a real 00:11:04.409 --> 00:11:07.590 game changer. 12 hours. That can make a world 00:11:07.590 --> 00:11:10.190 of difference in treatment efficacy. You used 00:11:10.190 --> 00:11:12.250 a great analogy earlier. It's like finding a 00:11:12.250 --> 00:11:15.210 spark versus a barn fire. Exactly. That early 00:11:15.210 --> 00:11:17.490 intervention can dramatically alter the course 00:11:17.490 --> 00:11:19.759 of the illness. And speaking of those... physical 00:11:19.759 --> 00:11:22.299 cues, it sounds like sensor placement is absolutely 00:11:22.299 --> 00:11:24.559 critical for accuracy, especially temperature. 00:11:24.799 --> 00:11:27.720 Absolutely. For accurate core body temp readings, 00:11:27.960 --> 00:11:30.320 the sensor ideally needs to be on the lateral 00:11:30.320 --> 00:11:31.980 side of the neck. Side of the neck. Okay. Not 00:11:31.980 --> 00:11:35.549 the top. No. That area gives good skin contact 00:11:35.549 --> 00:11:38.529 and reflects underlying blood flow, minimizing 00:11:38.529 --> 00:11:41.289 interference from the hair coat. We heard that 00:11:41.289 --> 00:11:43.509 story about incorrect placement on top of the 00:11:43.509 --> 00:11:45.990 neck leading to false readings. Right, the false 00:11:45.990 --> 00:11:48.789 deceased reading. A good reminder to, you know, 00:11:48.789 --> 00:11:51.049 read the instructions and understand the tech. 00:11:51.230 --> 00:11:52.769 Definitely. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines. 00:11:53.110 --> 00:11:58.320 So what about cost? Around $45 per calf for this 00:11:58.320 --> 00:12:01.080 tech. Yeah, around there. And that might give 00:12:01.080 --> 00:12:03.519 some producers pause, especially with tight margins. 00:12:03.659 --> 00:12:05.820 Yeah. But it's essential to weigh that against 00:12:05.820 --> 00:12:08.340 the average cost of treating a sick calf, which 00:12:08.340 --> 00:12:10.820 can easily hit $44 or more. And that doesn't 00:12:10.820 --> 00:12:13.940 even count labor or lost growth. Exactly. So 00:12:13.940 --> 00:12:16.200 for those higher risk calves born to first calf 00:12:16.200 --> 00:12:19.980 heifers, difficult calvings. This proactive monitoring 00:12:19.980 --> 00:12:22.480 can be a very sound financial investment in the 00:12:22.480 --> 00:12:24.299 long run. Okay, so we're moving from just looking 00:12:24.299 --> 00:12:27.220 at calves to leveraging tech for deeper physiological 00:12:27.220 --> 00:12:30.340 insights. Being proactive, not reactive. Pretty 00:12:30.340 --> 00:12:32.480 impressive stuff. It is. Now let's really crank 00:12:32.480 --> 00:12:35.580 up the futuristic factor and delve into AI in 00:12:35.580 --> 00:12:37.679 the calving pen. When I first heard about this, 00:12:37.740 --> 00:12:40.840 I was frankly astounded. It truly represents 00:12:40.840 --> 00:12:43.299 a paradigm shift in how we can manage calving. 00:12:43.600 --> 00:12:46.860 Imagine having a tireless, constantly vigilant 00:12:46.860 --> 00:12:49.399 observer in your calving area. One that doesn't 00:12:49.399 --> 00:12:52.500 need coffee breaks. Or sleep. That's essentially 00:12:52.500 --> 00:12:54.879 what artificial intelligence -powered video monitoring 00:12:54.879 --> 00:12:58.720 systems like EverDot Egg's Maternity Warden So 00:12:58.720 --> 00:13:01.000 this isn't just a standard security camera we're 00:13:01.000 --> 00:13:03.000 talking about. No, no. It has intelligence built 00:13:03.000 --> 00:13:05.379 in to actually interpret what it's seeing. How 00:13:05.379 --> 00:13:07.480 does that even work, that sophisticated analysis? 00:13:08.100 --> 00:13:10.080 These systems use conventional video cameras, 00:13:10.179 --> 00:13:12.960 sure, but the real magic is in the AI software 00:13:12.960 --> 00:13:16.500 behind them. This AI has been trained using just 00:13:16.500 --> 00:13:18.779 massive amounts of video footage. To recognize 00:13:18.779 --> 00:13:21.580 what? To recognize a specific set of behavioral 00:13:21.580 --> 00:13:25.340 markers, 17 distinct behaviors, in fact, that 00:13:25.340 --> 00:13:27.399 strongly indicate a cow is entering the early 00:13:27.399 --> 00:13:30.620 stages of labor. 17? Like what? Subtle things, 00:13:30.700 --> 00:13:33.100 like changes in tail position, increased restlessness, 00:13:33.240 --> 00:13:35.120 pacing, the start of abdominal contractions, 00:13:35.159 --> 00:13:37.879 cues that a human observer, especially overnight 00:13:37.879 --> 00:13:41.019 or during busy times, might easily miss. Okay. 00:13:41.200 --> 00:13:43.919 So it uses machine learning craned on tons of 00:13:43.919 --> 00:13:47.460 data to spot those patterns. Exactly. Yeah. Spotting 00:13:47.460 --> 00:13:49.620 the subtle signs of calving. And the accuracy. 00:13:49.799 --> 00:13:52.700 Especially for things. 7 .0 % in predicting mid 00:13:52.700 --> 00:13:55.320 -delivery. Critical five -hour ratings. Yeah. 00:13:55.419 --> 00:13:57.879 That's almost uncanny. It's incredibly precise. 00:13:58.240 --> 00:13:59.980 You're right. That might just outperform even 00:13:59.980 --> 00:14:01.899 the most experienced eyes in the barn. Well, 00:14:01.919 --> 00:14:04.019 the key insight with AI isn't just. Are proactive. 00:14:04.440 --> 00:14:06.799 It's about the consistency. And that early warning 00:14:06.799 --> 00:14:09.019 it provides. Right. Allowing for timely intervention. 00:14:09.690 --> 00:14:11.769 Ultimately saving calves and reducing stress. 00:14:11.850 --> 00:14:13.830 It's a powerful demonstration of machine learning 00:14:13.830 --> 00:14:16.389 in agriculture. And the implications for reducing 00:14:16.389 --> 00:14:18.649 dystocia difficult births and cutting stillbirth 00:14:18.649 --> 00:14:21.889 rates are huge. Yeah. Tell me about those dystocia 00:14:21.889 --> 00:14:24.029 stats again. They were pretty stark. They really 00:14:24.029 --> 00:14:26.950 are. Consider this. If a cow stays in stage two 00:14:26.950 --> 00:14:29.889 labor for more than two hours, the risk of calf 00:14:29.889 --> 00:14:34.700 mortality jumps 4 .7 times. 4 .7 times. And the 00:14:34.700 --> 00:14:37.799 estimated economic impact is nearly $1 ,300 per 00:14:37.799 --> 00:14:40.779 case. Wow. That underscores the critical need 00:14:40.779 --> 00:14:43.779 for timely help. Prolonged labor is bad news 00:14:43.779 --> 00:14:46.500 all around. And it gets worse. Using a mechanical 00:14:46.500 --> 00:14:49.480 calf puller increases mortality risk by 3 .2 00:14:49.480 --> 00:14:53.279 times, costing around $890. And cases of unassisted 00:14:53.279 --> 00:14:56.559 placental failure, 5 .1 times higher risk of 00:14:56.559 --> 00:15:00.549 calf death and a cost of about $430. The costs 00:15:00.549 --> 00:15:03.309 associated with difficult calvings are just substantial. 00:15:03.649 --> 00:15:06.669 Clearly. So the AI acts as that early warning 00:15:06.669 --> 00:15:09.669 system, giving us that crucial window to intervene 00:15:09.669 --> 00:15:12.289 proactively before things escalate into emergencies. 00:15:12.669 --> 00:15:14.409 And you mentioned a dairy in the Netherlands, 00:15:14.809 --> 00:15:17.049 Coupon Holdings. They saw big results. Yeah, 00:15:17.049 --> 00:15:18.990 Coupon Holdings is a great case study. They put 00:15:18.990 --> 00:15:21.830 in this AI video system and set up dedicated 00:15:21.830 --> 00:15:24.669 calving response teams ready to act on the AI 00:15:24.669 --> 00:15:26.889 alerts. Okay. They cut their average intervention 00:15:26.889 --> 00:15:29.909 time during calving from 22 minutes down to just 00:15:29.909 --> 00:15:32.669 eight minutes. 22 down to eight. That's huge. 00:15:32.970 --> 00:15:36.429 And the outcome, a remarkable 19 % jump in their 00:15:36.429 --> 00:15:38.710 calf survival rate within a single lactation 00:15:38.710 --> 00:15:41.929 cycle. 19 % increase in survival in one season. 00:15:41.990 --> 00:15:44.110 That's not just tweaking things. That's a major 00:15:44.110 --> 00:15:46.320 leap forward. truly transformative improvement 00:15:46.320 --> 00:15:48.779 in efficiency and animal welfare. Now, you did 00:15:48.779 --> 00:15:51.659 mention the upfront cost, $15 ,000 to $25 ,000 00:15:51.659 --> 00:15:54.559 per 100 cows. That's a significant chunk of change 00:15:54.559 --> 00:15:57.139 from many operations. It is a substantial investment, 00:15:57.360 --> 00:16:00.240 no doubt. However, an analysis by Wageningen 00:16:00.240 --> 00:16:03.419 University suggests that for herds with stillbirth 00:16:03.419 --> 00:16:06.220 rates above 4%, the system could pay for itself 00:16:06.220 --> 00:16:08.879 in about 14 months. 14 months payback if your 00:16:08.879 --> 00:16:12.200 stillbirth rate is over 4%. Okay. And I like 00:16:12.200 --> 00:16:14.379 that anecdote from the Wisconsin farmer who basically 00:16:14.480 --> 00:16:17.019 said the AI was like having an extra skilled 00:16:17.019 --> 00:16:19.759 calving attendant on duty 24 -7. Right, like 00:16:19.759 --> 00:16:22.320 having a highly experienced, always awake expert 00:16:22.320 --> 00:16:24.899 on staff without the salary and benefits costs. 00:16:25.299 --> 00:16:27.580 Okay, AI and the calving pen, definitely something 00:16:27.580 --> 00:16:30.120 to watch. For sure. Now let's pivot to a strategy 00:16:30.120 --> 00:16:33.399 that's significantly less robotic, but maybe 00:16:33.399 --> 00:16:35.860 just as impactful. You drew that interesting 00:16:35.860 --> 00:16:39.179 parallel to... Aeroline pilots and checklists. 00:16:39.220 --> 00:16:41.240 That kind of caught my ear. It might seem like 00:16:41.240 --> 00:16:43.240 an odd comparison at first, but think about the 00:16:43.240 --> 00:16:45.899 core principles. Both pilots and farmers managing 00:16:45.899 --> 00:16:48.860 calving operate in high stakes situations. Where 00:16:48.860 --> 00:16:51.500 small mistakes can have big consequences. Exactly. 00:16:51.980 --> 00:16:54.299 Pilots rely heavily on standardized checklists 00:16:54.299 --> 00:16:56.279 to make sure every critical step is followed 00:16:56.279 --> 00:16:58.159 every single time, no matter their experience. 00:16:58.500 --> 00:17:00.840 Takes the guesswork out. It ensures consistency 00:17:00.840 --> 00:17:03.620 and cuts the risk of error, especially under 00:17:03.620 --> 00:17:05.880 pressure. Right. It takes the pressure off relying 00:17:05.880 --> 00:17:08.200 just on memory, especially during calving, Stephen, 00:17:08.339 --> 00:17:10.700 when you're tired and things are hectic. Precisely. 00:17:10.759 --> 00:17:12.859 Yeah. And look at the findings from Ohio State 00:17:12.859 --> 00:17:15.559 University's dairy extension. Their research 00:17:15.559 --> 00:17:17.539 showed that simply providing comprehensive training 00:17:17.539 --> 00:17:20.259 on best calving management practices. Just training. 00:17:20.460 --> 00:17:23.460 Just training led to a remarkable nine percentage 00:17:23.460 --> 00:17:26.920 point drop in stillbirths from 15 .5 % down to 00:17:26.920 --> 00:17:29.880 6 .5%. Nine points just from training. That's 00:17:29.880 --> 00:17:33.079 a huge impact from education and standard procedures 00:17:33.079 --> 00:17:36.700 alone. It really is. So if training alone does 00:17:36.700 --> 00:17:39.940 that, adding consistent checklist use could boost 00:17:39.940 --> 00:17:42.660 those benefits even more. You outlined seven 00:17:42.660 --> 00:17:45.619 key items for a pre -calving checklist. Let's 00:17:45.619 --> 00:17:47.500 walk through those. Okay. First, it might seem 00:17:47.500 --> 00:17:49.759 obvious, but it's fundamental. Have a system 00:17:49.759 --> 00:17:52.240 for accurately tracking due dates and flagging 00:17:52.240 --> 00:17:54.900 high -risk situations, like twins. No, it's coming. 00:17:55.119 --> 00:17:57.819 Second, verify the dam's vaccination status, 00:17:57.980 --> 00:18:00.460 especially for things that protect against calfhood 00:18:00.460 --> 00:18:03.660 diseases like scours. Third, Ensure dry cows 00:18:03.660 --> 00:18:07.000 get the right dry cow minerals for at least six 00:18:07.000 --> 00:18:09.619 weeks pre -calving. That's crucial for mom's 00:18:09.619 --> 00:18:12.099 health and colostrum quality. That dry mineral 00:18:12.099 --> 00:18:14.680 part is so key for setting the stage, ensuring 00:18:14.680 --> 00:18:17.019 good quality colostrum, right? Absolutely vital. 00:18:17.400 --> 00:18:20.440 Fourth on the pre -calving checklist, body condition 00:18:20.440 --> 00:18:24.400 scoring. Interestingly, cows over a 3 .5 BCS 00:18:24.400 --> 00:18:27.059 actually have more calving difficulties. Oh, 00:18:27.059 --> 00:18:29.670 good to know. So monitor that. Fifth. Purely 00:18:29.670 --> 00:18:31.730 practical. Make sure all your calving equipment 00:18:31.730 --> 00:18:34.990 is ready, clean, and working. Gloves, lube, calving 00:18:34.990 --> 00:18:37.930 jack maybe, ropes, navel dip. Nothing worse than 00:18:37.930 --> 00:18:40.450 scrambling for supplies mid -delivery. What's 00:18:40.450 --> 00:18:43.390 next? Sixth, regularly check your inventory of 00:18:43.390 --> 00:18:45.630 emergency meds that might be needed. Don't run 00:18:45.630 --> 00:18:48.289 out when time is critical. Good point. And finally, 00:18:48.329 --> 00:18:51.049 seventh, confirm staffing is adequate for supervision 00:18:51.049 --> 00:18:53.230 and that everyone involved knows your farm's 00:18:53.230 --> 00:18:55.630 specific calving protocols and is trained up. 00:18:55.980 --> 00:18:58.299 That pre -calving checklist seems like a really 00:18:58.299 --> 00:19:01.000 solid, systematic way to head off problems. And 00:19:01.000 --> 00:19:02.579 then there's the big role of sire selection. 00:19:02.980 --> 00:19:05.960 Huge role. As the FAES dairy management guidelines 00:19:05.960 --> 00:19:09.059 point out, prioritizing proven sires with high 00:19:09.059 --> 00:19:11.799 calving ease ratings should be a core breeding 00:19:11.799 --> 00:19:14.200 goal. Especially for heifers. Especially for 00:19:14.200 --> 00:19:16.819 heifers, yes. That one decision has ripple effects. 00:19:17.640 --> 00:19:20.460 Switching to calving ease sires for heifers can 00:19:20.460 --> 00:19:23.589 really cut down on dystocia. We saw that ourselves 00:19:23.589 --> 00:19:25.609 when we made that shift. It made a noticeable 00:19:25.609 --> 00:19:28.789 difference. Real -world proof. Now, beyond pre 00:19:28.789 --> 00:19:31.109 -calving, there's the immediate post -calving 00:19:31.109 --> 00:19:34.150 bit and this vigor scoring system you mentioned. 00:19:34.170 --> 00:19:36.390 That sounds new. It might be a new concept for 00:19:36.390 --> 00:19:39.029 some listeners, yeah. Think of vigor scoring 00:19:39.029 --> 00:19:41.910 like an Apgar score for human babies, but adapted 00:19:41.910 --> 00:19:44.809 for calves. Okay, like Apgar for calf. Right. 00:19:44.910 --> 00:19:47.089 It gives a standard, objective way to assess 00:19:47.089 --> 00:19:49.529 a calf's vitality right after birth. It looks 00:19:49.529 --> 00:19:52.410 at five things. Vigor, responsiveness, initiation 00:19:52.410 --> 00:19:55.869 of respiration, color, mucous membranes, ocular 00:19:55.869 --> 00:19:58.670 reflexes, and response to drying. V -I -G -O 00:19:58.670 --> 00:20:01.450 -R. Got it. The idea is to have laminated cards 00:20:01.450 --> 00:20:03.509 or clear guidelines with the scoring right there 00:20:03.509 --> 00:20:06.309 in the calving area. That way, everyone experienced 00:20:06.309 --> 00:20:09.069 or new evaluates calves consistently. So it takes 00:20:09.069 --> 00:20:11.480 out some of the guesswork. Standardizes identifying 00:20:11.480 --> 00:20:15.079 calves needing quick help. And you also use a 00:20:15.079 --> 00:20:17.819 detailed processing checklist right after birth. 00:20:18.140 --> 00:20:20.900 Yes, focusing on those critical first few hours. 00:20:21.400 --> 00:20:24.900 Our protocol has specific steps for proper navel 00:20:24.900 --> 00:20:28.359 dipping, the exact product, concentration, how 00:20:28.359 --> 00:20:30.940 to apply it. Details matter. Then comprehensive 00:20:30.940 --> 00:20:34.279 guidelines for colostrum. Testing quality, target 00:20:34.279 --> 00:20:37.140 volume based on size, the ideal timing for that 00:20:37.140 --> 00:20:39.849 first feed, and how to deliver it. And the Vigor 00:20:39.849 --> 00:20:41.849 score gets documented on this checklist, too, 00:20:41.910 --> 00:20:44.250 with clear thresholds for intervention based 00:20:44.250 --> 00:20:46.730 on the score. Precisely. And finally, our checklist 00:20:46.730 --> 00:20:49.170 includes strict protocols for documenting everything. 00:20:49.569 --> 00:20:51.869 Might seem like extra paperwork. But it's valuable 00:20:51.869 --> 00:20:54.569 data. Exactly. It lets you track trends, spot 00:20:54.569 --> 00:20:56.690 issues early, and see if your protocols are working. 00:20:56.869 --> 00:20:59.690 We also brought in really strict 72 -hour sterility 00:20:59.690 --> 00:21:02.630 protocols for all medical gear used on newborns. 00:21:02.690 --> 00:21:05.970 72 -hour sterility. Yeah. Sounds intense, but 00:21:05.970 --> 00:21:08.230 it coincided with nearly a one -third drop in 00:21:08.230 --> 00:21:11.650 our overall calf mortality. Wow. A near one -third 00:21:11.650 --> 00:21:14.309 reduction just from checklists and strict sterility. 00:21:14.650 --> 00:21:16.750 That's incredible. And the cost of checklists 00:21:16.750 --> 00:21:19.940 is basically... Exactly. That's what makes it 00:21:19.940 --> 00:21:22.579 such a high impact, low cost strategy. The ROI 00:21:22.579 --> 00:21:25.599 is immediate and significant, potentially 30 00:21:25.599 --> 00:21:28.460 percent lower mortality for practically the cost 00:21:28.460 --> 00:21:30.400 of printing the lists. OK, let's put all this 00:21:30.400 --> 00:21:32.480 together. We've explored some really cutting 00:21:32.480 --> 00:21:35.200 edge tech, but also some surprisingly simple 00:21:35.200 --> 00:21:38.640 yet really effective management practices. What's 00:21:38.640 --> 00:21:40.380 the bottom line here about investing in those 00:21:40.380 --> 00:21:43.460 first seven? The fundamental message is that 00:21:43.460 --> 00:21:46.460 each preventable calf loss is a significant financial 00:21:46.460 --> 00:21:49.119 hit around $1 ,300 when you factor everything 00:21:49.119 --> 00:21:52.140 in. Investing in these proactive strategies isn't 00:21:52.140 --> 00:21:53.880 just an expense. It's a strategic investment 00:21:53.880 --> 00:21:56.500 with a potentially huge return. You put together 00:21:56.500 --> 00:21:58.559 a really useful summary table comparing these 00:21:58.559 --> 00:22:00.119 strategies. Let's quickly run through that again. 00:22:00.319 --> 00:22:03.109 Okay. Colostrum 2 .0. That plus 50 grain replacer 00:22:03.109 --> 00:22:06.690 costs about $20 per calf, potential 25 % mortality 00:22:06.690 --> 00:22:10.670 reduction, immediate ROI, wearable sensors, higher 00:22:10.670 --> 00:22:14.029 upfront cost, maybe $45 per calf, but bigger 00:22:14.029 --> 00:22:16.890 mortality reduction around 40 % with ROI in maybe 00:22:16.890 --> 00:22:19.509 three to six months. Got it. AI video monitoring. 00:22:19.769 --> 00:22:24.049 Yep. Biggest initial investment. $150, $250 per 00:22:24.049 --> 00:22:27.609 calf, but 30, 40 % mortality reduction. Payback 00:22:27.609 --> 00:22:30.029 estimated around 14 months if stillbirths are 00:22:30.029 --> 00:22:33.210 over 4%. Right. And then the power of checklists. 00:22:33.410 --> 00:22:36.529 Minimal costs, like $5 per calf, delivering maybe 00:22:36.529 --> 00:22:39.150 a 30 % reduction in mortality with immediate 00:22:39.150 --> 00:22:41.930 ROI. That table makes it crystal clear that immediate 00:22:41.930 --> 00:22:45.069 ROI on checklists is just... Hard to ignore. 00:22:45.230 --> 00:22:47.470 It really stands out. So for a producer listening 00:22:47.470 --> 00:22:49.809 now, maybe feeling a bit overwhelmed by all this 00:22:49.809 --> 00:22:52.150 info, what are your top three actionable steps 00:22:52.150 --> 00:22:54.289 they could start with like today? Okay. First, 00:22:54.490 --> 00:22:56.910 I'd say prioritize developing and implementing 00:22:56.910 --> 00:22:59.369 comprehensive calving and newborn processing 00:22:59.369 --> 00:23:01.690 checklists. If you don't have standard insight 00:23:01.690 --> 00:23:04.490 with AI pre and post calving care, that's the 00:23:04.490 --> 00:23:06.450 lowest hanging fruit. Start there. Easiest win. 00:23:06.849 --> 00:23:09.299 Biggest immediate potential return. Second, set 00:23:09.299 --> 00:23:11.759 up a system to really track your 72 -hour calf 00:23:11.759 --> 00:23:13.799 mortality rate before you change anything and 00:23:13.799 --> 00:23:17.380 keep monitoring it closely after. You need objective 00:23:17.380 --> 00:23:20.299 data to measure impact and find areas to improve. 00:23:20.700 --> 00:23:23.500 And third, once you have some data and try a 00:23:23.500 --> 00:23:26.220 few things, actually calculate the ROI you're 00:23:26.220 --> 00:23:28.839 seeing on your farm. Then scale up what works 00:23:28.839 --> 00:23:31.660 best for you. Solid practical advice. Producers 00:23:31.660 --> 00:23:34.000 can take that and run with it. Waiting and just 00:23:34.000 --> 00:23:36.160 accepting current loss rates is basically leaving 00:23:36.160 --> 00:23:38.480 money on the table every calving season. It really 00:23:38.480 --> 00:23:41.980 is. The message seems clear. Those first 72 hours 00:23:41.980 --> 00:23:45.400 are absolutely pivotal. A proactive, data -informed 00:23:45.400 --> 00:23:48.140 approach can truly revolutionize calving management 00:23:48.140 --> 00:23:51.460 and calf health. Precisely. The calves that get 00:23:51.460 --> 00:23:53.880 optimal hair and thrive in those first two days. 00:23:53.960 --> 00:23:56.220 They're the foundation of your future milking 00:23:56.220 --> 00:23:58.920 herd. Investing in them is a direct investment 00:23:58.920 --> 00:24:01.240 in your dairy's long -term success and resilience. 00:24:01.720 --> 00:24:03.859 All right, we've taken a pretty comprehensive 00:24:03.859 --> 00:24:06.279 deep dive into some fascinating The consistency 00:24:06.279 --> 00:24:09.039 Potentially transformative strategies for those 00:24:09.039 --> 00:24:11.740 critical for 72 hours. We've seen how moving 00:24:11.740 --> 00:24:14.900 beyond just the basics By embracing smart colostrum 00:24:14.900 --> 00:24:17.559 management using early detection tech Exploring 00:24:17.559 --> 00:24:20.200 AI and the calving pen and harnessing that simple 00:24:20.200 --> 00:24:23.200 power of checklists Can have a huge impact on 00:24:23.200 --> 00:24:26.630 calf survival and Ultimately, your farm's bottom 00:24:26.630 --> 00:24:29.329 line. It's about adopting that proactive mindset, 00:24:29.589 --> 00:24:32.269 right? Shifting from reacting to problems to 00:24:32.269 --> 00:24:35.150 actively preventing them. Exactly. And we hope 00:24:35.150 --> 00:24:37.250 we've given you some valuable insights and practical 00:24:37.250 --> 00:24:40.250 ideas about which strategies might fit best for 00:24:40.250 --> 00:24:42.910 your own operation. So here's a final thought 00:24:42.910 --> 00:24:45.549 to really chew on. What if fundamentally changing 00:24:45.549 --> 00:24:48.150 our perspective on calf management in those first 00:24:48.150 --> 00:24:50.750 days? Moving from accepting a certain level of 00:24:50.750 --> 00:24:54.539 loss to... aggressively striving for near -zero 00:24:54.539 --> 00:24:57.579 losses. What if that unlocks a whole new level 00:24:57.579 --> 00:25:00.140 of efficiency, productivity, and profitability 00:25:00.140 --> 00:25:02.640 on our farms that maybe we haven't even fully 00:25:02.640 --> 00:25:04.640 grasped yet? It's definitely a question worth 00:25:04.640 --> 00:25:07.500 pondering. The data and the real -world success 00:25:07.500 --> 00:25:09.720 stories we've talked about certainly paint a 00:25:09.720 --> 00:25:12.720 compelling picture. The potential for a significant 00:25:12.720 --> 00:25:15.240 improvement is definitely there. Before we wrap, 00:25:15.400 --> 00:25:17.839 let's cement these game changers. Colostrum 2 00:25:17.839 --> 00:25:21.539 .0 isn't optional. 50 grams IgG replacers at 00:25:21.539 --> 00:25:25.680 $18 calf cut deaths, 19%. Neck sensors beat human 00:25:25.680 --> 00:25:28.900 eyes, detecting illness 12 hours sooner for $45 00:25:28.900 --> 00:25:32.059 ROI in six months. Checklists are your cheapest 00:25:32.059 --> 00:25:35.259 win. Standardizing protocols slashes deaths 30 00:25:35.259 --> 00:25:38.359 % at five -year calf. If this episode lit up 00:25:38.359 --> 00:25:40.839 your barn lights, do us a solid. Hit subscribe 00:25:40.839 --> 00:25:43.039 and share it with one dairy colleague who needs 00:25:43.039 --> 00:25:45.500 these stats. We want to hear your implementation 00:25:45.500 --> 00:25:48.960 wins. Tag us at The Bullvine on social at The 00:25:48.960 --> 00:25:52.500 Bullvine. Next week, we're exposing the methane 00:25:52.500 --> 00:25:55.279 math behind carbon credits. Can you really net 00:25:55.279 --> 00:25:59.140 $225 per cow while cutting emissions? The numbers 00:25:59.140 --> 00:26:01.680 will shock you. Until then, keep milking the 00:26:01.680 --> 00:26:04.440 data, not just the cows. Thank you for joining 00:26:04.440 --> 00:26:07.579 us with The Bullvine Podcast, where tomorrow's 00:26:07.579 --> 00:26:08.839 dairy gets built today.