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An evaluation of the precision livestock farming landscape for dairy cattle management: what we know, and what the future holds

Conference proceedings for 2025 Western Dairy Management Conference in Reno, NV, USA.

The average dairy producer struggles with the morbidity and mortality rates of dairy calves. According to the most recent producer survey, diarrhea and bovine respiratory disease (BRD) are the leading causes of disease (33% of preweaned calves), and calf death averaging 5% of the preweaned calves surviving past 48 hours of age (USDA, 2018). Moreover, increased inflation rates and the rising costs of feed and labor are leading many producers to become more selective about replacement heifer inventory. For example, in October 2024, auctioneers in Tulare, CA observed record replacement heifer prices ranging $2,000-2,700 for the average head, and a record $3,500-3,700 in MO, USA. Rising springer heifer costs, and an appealing beef on dairy market have led to dairy producers becoming very selective about which heifers they retain for their herd. Thus, arguably, this is the most important time in dairy history for producers to produce healthy, thriving calves who do not incur disease.

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Work Title An evaluation of the precision livestock farming landscape for dairy cattle management: what we know, and what the future holds
Subtitle Western Dairy Management Conference
Access
Open Access
Creators
  1. Melissa Cantor
License In Copyright (Rights Reserved)
Work Type Article
Publisher
  1. Western Dairy Management Conference Proceedings
Publication Date April 2025
Related URLs
  1. https://wdmc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Precision-Management-Dr-Melissa-Cantor.pdf
Deposited June 08, 2026

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    June 08, 2026 10:59 by Researcher Metadata Database

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    June 08, 2026 10:59 by Researcher Metadata Database

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    June 17, 2026 13:50 by jts5573

    Description
    • Conference proceedings for 2025 Western Dairy Management Conference in Reno, NV, USA.
    • Conference proceedings for 2025 Western Dairy Management Conference in Reno, NV, USA.
    • The average dairy producer struggles with the morbidity and mortality rates of dairy calves. According to the most recent producer survey, diarrhea and bovine respiratory disease (BRD) are the leading causes of disease (33% of preweaned calves), and calf death averaging 5% of the preweaned calves surviving past 48 hours of age (USDA, 2018). Moreover, increased inflation rates and the rising costs of feed and labor are leading many producers to become more selective about replacement heifer inventory. For example, in October 2024, auctioneers in Tulare, CA observed record replacement heifer prices ranging $2,000-2,700 for the average head, and a record $3,500-3,700 in MO, USA. Rising springer heifer costs, and an appealing beef on dairy market have led to dairy producers becoming very selective about which heifers they retain for their herd. Thus, arguably, this is the most important time in dairy history for producers to produce healthy, thriving calves who do not incur disease.
    Related URLs
    • https://wdmc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Precision-Management-Dr-Melissa-Cantor.pdf
    Publication Date
    • 2025-04-04
    • 2025-04