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Abstract
Two studies were conducted to evaluate the seasonal impacts on health and growth of preweaned dairy calves in the Southeastern United States. The first study examined the effects of environmental conditions during summer and winter on growth of calves in Southern Georgia. Calves born during summer had greater growth and efficiency than those born during winter due to more consistent environmental conditions. Study 2 evaluated seasonal effects on colostrum quality, total serum protein (TSP) and growth of calves reared in commercial dairy operations in Central Georgia, each consisting of differing calf housing styles. Environmental conditions influenced colostrum quality, TSP, and growth in farms where dry cows and calves were housed outdoors, but farm-specific management factors were more influential in colostrum quality, TSP, and growth.