Kelliher’s host informative event in Banna

KELLIHERS Feeds & Agri Supplies in Association with Trouw Nutrition and Dairymaster held a information morning on the Farm of Florence Mc Carthy Banna East Ardfert on LifeStart performance for the newborn calf and the freshly calved cow that was well attended by farmers from Limerick Cork and Kerry.

Mr Des Brennan from Trouw Nutrition discussed Calf rearing and specifically Colostrum: This is “liquid gold” and the importance of getting 3-4 litres in the calf in the first few hours cannot be underestimated. When storing colostrum, measure the quality with a refractometer so highest quality colostrum is stored. Brennan stressed the importance of cleanliness: Calves should be born into clean, dry maternity pens. Clean, wash, disinfect and dry housing between calves. In calf house, work from youngest to oldest animals. Wash and sanitise buckets, and utensils between feedings. Provide fresh calf starter, milk replacer, and water every day and throw out left-overs.

Miss Margaret Murphy Trouw Nutrition discussed that Calving is the most stressful time in a cow’s life and the treatment she receives will have a marked bearing on how well she performs in lactation. The most effective way to rehydrate cows is to use a specially formulated electrolyte solution such as the proven Reviva which contains a balanced source of key electrolytes along with vitamins and rapidly available energy to give the cow a real boost.

Adam Heffernan Dairy Specialist with Kellihers Agri spoke on how to prevent and control Cryptosporidium in the calving area and the importance of having the calf houses disinfected properly stressing that few disinfectants on the market have the ability to kill the excreted parasites with the exception of Kenocox from CIDLINES. Kenocox helps to reduce the oral faecal transmission and Heffernan keenly demonstrated the washing procedure followed by disinfection and finally foaming with Kenocox to ensure maximum efficacy. For further details contact Adam Heffernan 087 2511520 or John Lynch 0868136865