Calf Alive symposium presentations

Calf loss in beef breeding herds is a global problem causing reduced liveweight production and lower profitability. Recent, large studies have shown that the major risk factors are very different to those that cause calf loss in intensive or temperate region cattle systems. A national Calf Alive symposium on the causes of calf loss and what can be done to minimise them was held on 24–25 November 2017 in Capella, Queensland.

The symposium featured respected international and Australian specialists. The causes of calf loss and opportunities to manage cows for improved reproductive performance and productivity in northern Australia were discussed at the symposium. Updates on new research testing options for reducing calf loss in north Australian beef herds were also presented.

Here are the video recordings of each of the Calf Alive presentations in full and broken down into smaller, topic-based segments:

1. The prevalence of calf loss across northern Australia with Kieren McCosker, former Beef Production Scientist, Northern Territory Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade
2. The makings of a strong week-old calf with Tom Kasari, Veterinary Epidemiologist, Colorado
3. Dehydration in newborn calves in the tropics with Jarud Muller, Animal Production Scientist, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
4. Cost of calf loss in northern Australia with Dan Lynch, north Australian beef producer
5. Managing infectious and non-infectious causes of calf wastage with Michael McGowan, Professor of Livestock Medicine, University of Queensland
6. Causes and management of beef calf losses in North America with Frank Garry, Extension Specialist (Veterinarian), Colorado State University
7. Reducing calf loss through better management in Indonesia with Dr Dahlanuddin, University of Mataram, Indonesia
8. Defining the level of calf loss and identifying causes in your herd with Kieren McCosker, former Beef Production Scientist, Northern Territory Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade
9. What we can do about calf loss with Kylie Schooley, veterinarian and north Australian beef producer
10. Calf Alive symposium panel Q&A day 1
11. Calf Alive symposium panel Q&A day 2

Download a copy of the Calf Alive symposium program (PDF, 6MB).

Download a copy of the Calf Alive symposium notes (PDF, 945KB).

For more information about the Calf Alive symposium please contact Dave Smith, Senior Beef Extension Officer, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, on (07) 4761 5160 or dave.smith@daf.qld.gov.au.