Conclusions

This FAAST Review was Meant to:

1. Educate veal producers and their veterinarians can practice antimicrobial stewardship without compromising animal health and welfare
2. Describe pre-purchase programs for veal calves to minimize the number of sick calves being introduced, to reduce the number of animals that require treatment
3. Review how veal producers can table bovine respiratory disease through managing the environment and implementing vaccination protocols

After this FAAST Review, You Should Now Know:

Section 1:

• The importance of selecting the right calf by assessing body weight, dehydration, umbilical infection, diarrhea, and sunken flank
  • How relationships with reputable source farms can foster important relationships for improved profitability, animal health, and welfare

Section 2:

• The need for an arrival strategy by purchasing only healthy calves
  • Why group antimicrobial treatment is not effective and no longer appropriate
  • How bioactive feed additives can boost calf immunity in the absence of good colostrum management
  • How to assess calves that might be at high-risk for developing disease
  • Important considerations for implementing biosecurity measures to reduce the introduction of disease to your facility

Section 3:

• The interconnection of host, environment, and agent in causing bovine respiratory disease in calves
• How to identify calves with respiratory disease early to minimize the need for repeated treatments and maximize calf health
  • Methods for preventing bovine respiratory disease through managing calf housing and implementing good nutrition and vaccine protocols