Isaac Haagen

Dairy calves and heifers represent one of the largest expenditures on a dairy farm, normally second or third depending on the operation. Not only are dairy calves and heifers expensive to raise, but events during rearing impact future performance as milking cows. This group seeks to understand how to select for improved disease resistance and wellbeing in animals during this critical period. A second primary aim is to uncover genetic varation for feed efficiency in growing dairy animals. The results of this aim are two-fold: reduced cost per unit of gain and improved sustainability of dairy farms through improved resource management.