Surplus dairy calves consist of all male and non-replacement female calves that are sold from the dairy farm soon after birth. Good neonatal care is key for surplus calves as they transition from the dairy farm to veal or dairy-beef production. One strategy to optimize surplus dairy calf welfare is to encourage high-quality neonatal care for all calves, regardless of their destination or sex. Good colostrum management practices should continue to be encouraged for both male and female dairy calves to reduce calves’ risk of having FTPI. Navel antisepsis has long been recommended as the best practice for navel care for newborn calves and is still recommended today by industry experts.