The expanding dairy-beef sector creates new opportunities for U.S. dairy producers but also highlights persistent gaps in early-life calf management. Non-replacement calves are typically sold within the first week of life and move through complex marketing channels before reaching calf-raising operations. Recent research evaluating more than 1,400 calves across Midwestern systems shows many arrive already compromised, with clear implications for welfare, health, and productivity, Condition of calves on arrival at dairy-beef calf-raising farms in the Midwestern US (Schafer et al., 2026).
At arrival, nearly half of calves had diarrhea (48%), more than one-third were dehydrated (36%), and about one in five showed navel inflammation or depression. Overall, 77% had at least one clinical abnormality, and 40% had multiple conditions. Poor health at arrival is therefore common. Metabolic indicators confirm early-life stress: 48% of calves were hypoglycemic and 28% had elevated non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), indicating depleted energy reserves and fat mobilization. In this population, 22% of calves had failed transfer of passive immunity (FTPI), and nearly half fell below optimal thresholds. Together these findings point to prolonged inadequate nutrition before arrival, likely linked to transport and marketing. Transfer of passive immunity is a key driver. Calves with adequate passive immunity were less likely to experience diarrhea and hypoglycemia, underscoring the importance of timely, high-quality colostrum management.
Transport and marketing further increased risk. Many calves undergo multiple handling and transport events within the first week of life, including movement through auctions or dealer facilities. During this period, calves face feed and water restriction, commingling, environmental stress, and pathogen exposure, all of which impair immune function. Transport distance itself was not associated with outcomes, indicating that transport conditions and management matter more than distance alone. Health outcomes varied widely across farms, with diarrhea prevalence ranging from 15% to over 80%. This variation reflects differences in pre-arrival management and sourcing strategies and shows that standardized processing approaches are often insufficient. Flexible observation-based protocols are needed.
Key priorities are clear. Optimize colostrum management to improve calf resilience. Reduce transport and marketing events, particularly through direct sourcing, to limit stress. Provide prompt access to milk and water at arrival to correct dehydration and negative energy balance; oral electrolytes may assist but should not replace milk feeding. Conduct systematic health assessments at arrival to enable early intervention.
Many dairy-beef calves enter rearing systems with compromised immunity, limited energy reserves, and existing disease. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts across the supply chain, from colostrum management to transport and arrival protocols. Improving early-life care is a practical opportunity to enhance welfare, reduce disease, and improve system efficiency.