meta World-leading calf management experts speaking in Ontario :: The Bullvine - The Dairy Information You Want To Know When You Need It

World-leading calf management experts speaking in Ontario


A leading global expert on calf rearing is the keynote presenter at the upcoming 2014 Healthy Calf Conference.  Registration still open.

Dr. Alex Bach is a professor and Director of the Department of Ruminant Production at IRTA, a government research institute in Barcelona, Spain.

He is joined on the event’s agenda by Dr. Bob James, a dairy science professor at Virginia Tech, and Dr. Jennifer Walker, an expert in bovine health and on-farm management practices.

“We are extremely fortunate to have such a stellar line up of experts speaking at our conference this year,” says Kendra Keels, Industry Development Manager with Ontario Veal Association (OVA). “Dr. Bach in particular is a world-renowned expert on calf health and it’s a once in a life time type of opportunity to be able to see him at our conference and learn from his expertise.”

Dr. Bach’s keynote presentation will focus on how dry cow management can impact calf health, but he will also be speaking on how to efficiently raise calves so they perform well as adults. His award-winning research focuses on ruminant nutrition and metabolism, as well as dairy cow and replacement management.

Dr. James, a founding member of the Dairy Calf and Heifer Association, is addressing the pros and cons of using automated feeding systems for pre-weaned dairy calves management factors influencing their use. Dr. Walker, the Director of Dairy Stewardship with U.S dairy company Dean Foods, will talk about animal welfare and livestock production. Her role at Dean Foods includes helping create industry-leading best practices in animal welfare, milk quality and farm resource management.

“Maximizing calf health through effective management is a fundamental building block for healthy and productive herds for both dairy and veal producers,” adds Keels. “Getting calves off to a good start can make a big difference in calf health and quality, and ultimately, a farm’s profitability.”

The Healthy Calf Conference runs December 2 from 9 am to 3 pm at the Arden Park Hotel in Stratford, with remote locations in Northern Ontario to be determined, and December 4 from 9 am to 3 pm at the Maxville and District Sports Complex in Maxwell. Registration fees before the event and at the door are $90/person and $30/person for students. To register for the event or for more information, visit www.calfcare.ca

The Ontario Veal Association (OVA) is a producer-run organization that is dedicated to representing the interests of Ontario’s grain-fed and milk-fed veal farmers. Visit www.ontarioveal.on.ca.

For more information:
Kendra Keels, Industry Development Manager, 519-824-2942
or kkeels@livestockalliance.ca


Send this to a friend