Grober Nutrition

Excel Calf Milk Replacer 26/18

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Producer Objectives

• Raising replacement dairy heifers with accelerated rates of average daily gain
• Optimizing rumen development through grain/water intake
• Improved immunity development through higher dietary levels of protein

Features of Accelerated Feeding

• Improved early nutrition to stimulate mammary tissue development.
• Evidence of improved body weight at first calving and increased energy in first lactation milk.
• Increased immunity – Higher plane of nutrition can improve response of cell-mediated immunity.

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(Pollard and Drackley, 2002 as reported by Drackley in 2008)

Milk Replacer Feeding Schedule

• Based on 150g/L for a more acelrated growth program.
• When a calf’s ambient temperature falls below their comfort zone (calf 1-3 weeks below 15-25°C; calf 3 weeks plus below 10°C), extra nutrition should be provided to maintain growth and maintenance requirements
  • minimum 150g extra powder for a less than 3 week old calf
  • minimum 75g extra powder for 3+ week old calf

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Feeding Management Tips

• Multiple feedings/day recommended to stabilize pH of the abomasum
• Encourage a strong suckling reflex early on so that milk is absorbed into the abomasum and digested
• Grain (and water) should be introduced early on. Allow calves to explore their environment and taste different feedstuffs
• Clean, dry bedding will optimize growth and enhance any feeding program
• Any abnormal events (illness, dehorning, vaccination etc) should be followed up with a greater volume of milk replacer at the next meal – calves will burn more energy when stressed. Sucking will help calm calves and nutrition will help replenish energy reserves

Acidified Feeding

• Objective is to lower bacterial counts in milk left standing
• Facilitates high intakes of milk at an early age (in ad-lib systems)

Machine Feeding

• Calf feeding machines are a useful tool designed to provide multiple feedings/day.
• Warm milk replacer provided through the machines has been thoroughly mixed for even distribution of nutrients in the solution.
• Machines still need management to ensure that they are working optimally.
• Grober commits itself to providing technical support for your machine to provide optimal nutrition for your calves.

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