417. Impact of Early Life Events on the Health and Productivity of Dairy Heifers

Only available as part of a package

In dairy heifers, early life eventsincluding episodes of disease, dystocia at the time of birth, and colostrum feedinghave been associated with subsequent lactation performance. These events may exert their effect directly on lactation performance or indirectly through their effect on the risk of disease, age and body weight at first calving,, and body condition score at first calving. This session will review the long-term effects of pre-weaning events and management practices on health outcomes, reproductive efficiency, and milk production, thus allowing veterinarians and producers to develop efficient calf rearing protocols for optimized performance.

Angel Abuelo

DVM, Ph.D., MVetED, DABVP, DECBHM

Assistant Professor | Michigan State University | East Lansing, Mich.

Dr. Abuelo obtained his veterinary and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain and a master's in veterinary education from the Royal Veterinary College in the U.K. He is an assistant professor of cattle health and a dairy extension veterinarian at the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. At MSU, Dr. Abuelo maintains federally funded research and extension programs, contributes to the clinical training of final-year veterinary students, and provides continuing education to veterinarians. His research focuses on the interplay between nutrition, metabolism, and immune function in dairy cows and calves. Dr. Abuelo is board certified in dairy practice by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, a diplomate of the European College of Bovine Health Management, and an associate diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.