Dr. Geof Smith: Maximizing longevity and calf health

Progressive Dairy Podcast

In this episode, join host Kimmi Devaney as she visits with Dr. Geof Smith, who is the managing dairy technical services veterinarian at Zoetis, about longevity and how to get calves off to the best start possible.

Here is the episode breakdown:

• [~0:30] About Smith’s background in the dairy industry working with calves
• [~1:15] His overall thoughts about longevity and why it matters for dairy producers
• [~3:00] The impact on the dairy’s bottom line
• [~5:45] The effect the increased interest in beef-on-dairy and the tight replacement market has had on this overall conversation about calves and longevity
• [~8:00] Three key protocols that are essential for calf programs
• [~10:00] Tips to managing nutrition for weaned calves
• [~11:35] How to encourage employees to follow calf protocols
• [~13:30] Types of calf-related trainings that are most important
• [~15:55] Smith’s priorities when evaluating a dairy’s youngstock program
• [~19:45] Tips for vaccine protocols
• [~23:45] Rapid-fire questions