Calf ear warmers do not negatively affect calf growth—in fact, they may support healthier development.
Young calves are especially sensitive to cold stress because their bodies are still adapting to life outside the womb. When temperatures drop, calves must divert energy away from growth and immune function in order to maintain body heat.
Cold stress forces calves to burn additional calories just to stay warm. Over time, this extra energy demand can slow early growth and leave calves more vulnerable during their most critical developmental stage.
When calves experience prolonged cold exposure, it can:
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Reduce weight gain by diverting calories away from growth
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Lower immune response, increasing vulnerability to illness
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Increase sickness risk, especially in wet or windy conditions
By helping calves maintain a more stable body temperature, calf ear warmers reduce unnecessary energy loss. This allows more nutrients from milk or colostrum to be used for growth, strength, and immune development rather than basic survival.
Products like Kalf Kozies are designed to provide targeted warmth without restricting movement or nursing behavior. Used during cold snaps or winter calving, they serve as a simple, temporary management tool that supports calf health.
You can find Kalf Kozies on Agzaga.com, making it easy for producers to prepare ahead of winter calving season and protect calves when temperatures drop.