TARGET

Achieve a healthy calf measuring 90 cms at the withers (approx. 100 kg) by 12 weeks with minimal cost and labour.

BACKGROUND

Modern Holstein/Friesian heifer calves are genetically very different from 10 - 15 years ago. They have a higher growth potential, are less inclined to deposit fat, a higher mature weight and will produce much more milk as cows. Traditional calf rearing systems are totally unsuitable for these calves to achieve 22-24 month calving. We need higher growth rates in early life - particularly maximising muscle and frame growth during the first 12 weeks. This is the most efficient growth period of the animal’s life.

THE CRITICAL PHASES DURING THE FIRST 12 WEEKS

• Colostrum feeding - amount, quality and timing.

• Milk feeding period targeted for maximum muscle growth.

• Ensuring rapid development of a good functional rumen.

• Setting the calf up for growth post 12 weeks.

Colostrum - provides essential nutrients and antibodies. These protect the calf against disease and have long lasting effects on

growth of the heifer.

The critical points for effectiveness of colostrum are:-

• Hygiene of cow and facilities - if the calf ingests bacteria (eg. dirty teats or cow flanks) before it receives colostrum it will be ineffective.

• Colostrum quality (antibody level) can differ greatly between cows. Mature cows are best.

• Timing of feeding - ideally feed colostrum within one hour of birth - certainly with 6 hours.

• Feed 4 litres at first feed and at least 6 litres over first 24 hours. Feed colostrum for 2 more days.

Milk Feeding Period

• Calf Milk replacers provide the most controlled approach to calf rearing. (Quality of whole milk varies daily).

• Milk replacer composition is critical to driving the balance between muscle, frame and fat growth. Thompson's Calf

• Milk Replacer is a specially designed product to promote muscle and frame development.

• Milk feeding level drives overall growth rate.

• Method of milk feeding is not critical, depends on labour and facilities available.

• Holstein/Friesian dairy heifers need at least 600g/day of Thompson Calf Milk Replacer.

Concentrate Feeding

The consumption of concentrates drives rumen development. The composition and structure of this concentrate are critical for maximising butyrate production in the developing rumen - and hence its growth.

Hay, or silage, is not appropriate for the young calf. It fills the small, developing, rumen with low-grade feed. Result: poor growing, pot-bellied calves. Offer Thompson's Calf Milk Replacer from Week 1 and wean bucKet-fed calves abruptly when consuming 1 - 1.5 kg conc/day.

Post-Weaning

Minimise the post-weaning check, eg. stress, changes in conc. or forage, mixing with older cattle to cause disease transfer etc. Feed Thompson's Calf Pride Weaner ad-lib up to 12 weeks plus free access to good quality straw and water.