Optimising early calf nutrition for long term benefits

AS we await the arrival of an ever-superior generation of calves over the coming months, it is now worthwhile to take a closer look at early calf nutrition.

Although farmers today are well informed about feeding adequate amounts of colostrum to the newborn calf in a timely manner, the benefits of achieving maximum weight performance from day two to weaning are far less documented.

According to Agritech Sales Director, John Kenny, “Taking an example of the calf’s mammary gland. When a dairy heifer calf is born, its mammary gland constitutes just 1% of its total bodyweight. If the daily live-weight gain of this calf is inadequate up to weaning, this key organ will most likely remain at this percentage.

“However, if calf performance is raised up to as near as possible to 1kg per head per day, the cells in this key gland will continuously split and multiply to the extent where the mammary gland will increase to around 2% of the calf ’s bodyweight at 9-10 weeks of age.”

The long-term benefits of achieving a better developed calf at weaning has proven to deliver improved disease immunity and increased daily yields during lactation. It is widely accepted that the effects of increased growth pre-weaning on first lactation alone is circa +300 litres milk yield.

“At Agritech, we understand the challenges of the newborn calf and work with leaders in calf nutrition to bring a calf milk replacer which will encourage the stable and efficient rearing of calves,” says John.

The Vitalac Calf Milk Replacer Range from Nukamel offers a well-balanced level of highly digestible fat and protein via carefully selected, high quality ingredients. These quality ingredients are further enhanced through the use of advanced techniques and technology such as Spray Cooling Technology, which has been proven to increase average daily live-weight gain and concentrate feed intakes.

For further calf rearing advice or to find out more about the Agritech Vitalac Calf Milk Replacer Range, contact your local Agritech distributor or visit www.agritech.ie.