Don’t Let Winter Trap your Calves with Pneumonia

colostrum feeding at early age and vaccination may have a boost to other managemental steps to overcome the issue

Good summary of winter pneumonia risks in calves. I’d add that nutrition and immunity go hand in hand with housing management. Calves with low energy intake or marginal trace minerals (especially selenium, zinc, and copper) are more susceptible to respiratory disease because their immune defenses are already compromised. In practice, this means ensuring milk or milk replacer is fed at adequate volumes (not just minimum survival levels), providing a high-quality calf starter early, and checking trace mineral balance. Also, vaccination against common respiratory viruses (IBR, BRSV, PI3) before the risk season can make a big difference when combined with proper bedding and ventilation. It’s often the combination of good housing and strong immunity that keeps calves healthy through winter. Cheers!