Product of the Month

New born calves – meeting their nutritional requirements.

After colostrum, the next critical feed for the new-born calf is milk. Like infants, new born calves have a requirement for milk in their diet until such time as their digestive system matures and they can digest more complex feeds. Young calves require energy for normal body functions such as digestion, respiration and heat production as well as for growth, and the energy available to the calf is directly proportionate to the supply of milk or milk replacer during the first few weeks.

Advantages of feeding calf milk replacer:

• Better Performance
• Reduced disease risk
• Continuity of nutrition
• Higher vitamins and minerals
• Accurate mixing
• Economic
• Quicker weaning
• Once a day feeding from 28 days

Fresh Start heifer – Concentrated Milk for Heifers.

• 100% milk protein
• Designed to be fed to dairy heifer replacements after colostrum feeding.
• High oil and low lactose levels allow Fresh Start Heifer to be fed at lower levels than other calf milks.
• High in vitamin C to improve immune system.
Feeding lower milk replacer rates result in calves eating more dry feed, increasing rumen development and therefore reducing weaning age.

Hygiene is vital for health livestock and optimising performance. Many calves are lost through poor hygiene practices every year. Others will suffer reduced performance throughout their life as a consequence of diseases that can be controlled if hygiene management protocols are followed.

A calf that is fighting disease will not grow as effectively and costs are increased, as medicines are used to try and combat the problems. Good building hygiene, attention to air quality and disinfection of feeding equipment can contribute to reduced levels of scours, but, biosecurity is also important to reduce the risk of pathogens being introduced.