Grober Nutrition

High Conversion Calf Milk Replacer 20/15

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Producer Objectives

• Raising replacement dairy heifers with steady daily live-weight gain
• Optimizing rumen development through grain/water intake
• Improved immunity function by providing adequate levels of protein and delivering enough nutrition through a good feeding schedule

Mammary Development

• Steady rates of gain may be critical for optimum development of the mammary system.
• Nutrition can be influential during the growth period.
• Incorrect feeding and poor nutrition can have long term consequences for the milk production potential of the cow.
• Overfeeding energy may negatively impact mammary development and future milk production (Sejrsen et al, 2000).

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(Sinha & Tucker 1969)

Milk Replacer Feeding Schedule

• Based on 125g/L (can be fed at a rate of 150g/L)
  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

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