Grober Nutrition

Archive for the ‘Nutrition’ Category

Water accounts for 70-75% of young animal’s body weight and yet, is often overlooked as a necessary nutrient. Water is the nutrient required in greatest quantity by young animals.

What does the body need water for?

Basic metabolic functions need daily water intake to replace that which is continuously used or eliminated. I.e.: transporting nutrients (blood volume), excretion of waste products (urine and faeces), digestion of feed, maintenance of osmotic pressure, lubrication of joints and eyes, exchange of CO2 with oxygen in the lungs, regulation of body temperature – especially heat release by the lungs and urine.

Bacteria in the rumen can only survive in a water environment. Most of the water that enters the rumen is from free water intake. Milk or milk replacer do not constitute free water. They bypass the rumen due to the esophageal groove that can be active until 12 weeks of age. The intake of water stimulates dry feed intake (Kertz et al 1984) and promotes greater total feed intake (Thickett et al, 1981), which leads to improved performance and health.

Kertz, A.F. 1984 J.D.S. 67: 2964-2969

During periods of water loss, (e.g. scours or hot, humid weather) or water restriction (ice, dirty water, inadequate supply) reductions in body fluid negatively impacts metabolism and feed intake. Even mild dehydration (1-5% loss of body weight from water loss), with symptoms not visible to the human eye, reduces metabolic efficiency and impairs ability to regulate body heat (ear and leg extremities feel cool to the touch). As dehydration becomes more severe (9-11% of body weight), calves become depressed. When dehydration reaches 12-15% of body weight, calves may die. Calves need water!

How much water does a calf need?

An animal obtains its water from drinking water, water present in its food and metabolic water.
NRC (2001) Water intake during 1st week of life about 1kg/day increasing to over 2.5kg/d during 4th week of life.

Typical water intake for Holstein calves
at 10-26 oC ref Penn State

What effects water intake?

Product Profile

A specifically formulated calf milk replacer for excellence in raising GRAIN VEAL CALVES.

The Need

Young Holstein bull calves require a quality milk replacer to ensure a healthy start. Young calves that have been transported are severally energy deficient and under stress. The best way to counteract these conditions is to provide a dry clean environment and offer a quality milk replacer that will provide the necessary protein and fat to allow the calf to establish itself and the growth pattern to achieve, maximum gain.

The Feeding

In general Holstein bull calves are fed twice a day receiving approximately 2 litres per feeding.

Grober VG 21/19 is designed for maximum growth and early development of muscle tissue of young bull calves and should be offered in concentrations of 125grams per litre of water and upwards of 3 litres per feeding twice a day once the calves are started.

The liquid feeding program should continue until the calves are consuming 900 grams of calf starter per day for 3 consecutive days.

The availability of clean fresh water is critical to dry matter intake and overall calf health and performance.

Economics

The liquid feeding portion of a grain veal program is the most critical and expensive portion of the rearing program. The limited time-scale of grain-veal production and the specific requirements for high daily live weight gain and muscle development requires careful attention to detail.

It is essential that the calves receive maximum nutrient uptake via a high quality milk replacer to maximize rate of gain and growth potential. The cost of a milk replacer, in part is determined by the quality of the ingredients that are used. The quality of the ingredients also reflects on the calf’s ability to utilize the nutrients and convert those nutrients to meat and structural growth while allowing development of the immune system.
Grober VG calf milk replacer is part of a full management program. Please contact Grober Animal Nutrition for more details.
Andre Roy MSc.
Sally Charlton BSc. (Hons)
April 2003

Why High Protein?

Capitalize on the rapid early growth potential of young calves. Meet the needs of the rapidly growing bone and muscle for protein. This encourages greater lean tissue deposition and thus stature without excess fattening.

Why Specific Protein:Fat Ratio?

Provide the correct protein to fat ratio at these higher feeding rates, to better promote muscle and skeletal growth so that increases in stature are attained. The high digestibility of lactose and the requirement for energy by the calf must be balanced for fat and protein.

Why Higher Feeding Rate?

Feeding rate determines energy intake, which sets limits on the growth potential.
Grober Excel is fed at a higher concentration (150g/l) and higher rate (14% BW) than conventional milk replacers to meet growth demands of the enhanced feeding program.

Milk Replacer Comparison

Calf Growth: What do you want?

Rapid growth of frame (skeleton and muscle): Optimal fat deposition: Transition to functioning ruminant.

Differences in ADG to 90kg may not be large between the conventional and enhanced systems but the type of growth, i.e. enhanced lean tissue deposition and thus stature and the degree of body fatness will be lower with the enhanced feeding system. Rate of gain should not be the sole means of assessing the efficacy of a nutrition program for milk replacer fed dairy calves.

Potential Advantages

• Decreased time to breeding size and first calving – in most production systems, decreasing the age to first calving is the most economical practice to decrease replacement heifer costs. For every month increase in average first calving age an extra 2-3 heifers are needed per 100 cows.
• Increased efficiency of body size gain – cost of rearing a heifer increases as age at first calving increases. A heifer has a lower daily gain and makes less efficient use of feed because a larger proportion of her feed is needed for maintenance.
• Improved health and immune system when calves are gaining at higher levels. (IGF-1 important regulator of cells of the immune system, IGF’s correlated to growth rates- Drackley)
• Enhanced milk production ability – inadequate size at first parturition may limit milk production and conception rate during first lactation. (Hoffman et al, 1996) Increase in bodyweight at first calving from 400kg to 570-590kg gave an increase of 825litres over 305-day lactation (2.7 litres/day). (Keown, 1986)

Potential Disadvantages

• Increased investment of money during the milk feeding period.
• Increased fecal looseness of calves – fecal appearance tends to be less solid due to lower fibre intake from calf starter.
• Delayed rumen development and weaning – calves that are healthy, have good appetites and are growing, consume enough starter dry feed, to allow rumen development to continue after weaning, in support of that growth. High quality and high protein starter feed is paramount in maintaining the early growth advantage provided by this system.
  Intensity of management required for success – to avoid digestive upsets, maintain high levels of sanitation, providing adequate, clean water at all times. Starter intake of 900grams per day for 3 consecutive days must be achieved before weaning can occur.

Heifer Rearing Objectives?

Optimum heifer growth is a function of the time necessary to achieve first parturition with the correct bodyweight, height, age and development such that the animal may express its full lactation potential. This should be achieved in the most profitable way for given targets. In raising heifers, the largest cost inputs are feed and days of growth needed to achieve productive status. Maximizing the potential production and minimizing days to first calving can help in the overall herd economics.

Too high a growth rate in the period from 3-15 months can have a detrimental effect on mammary gland development and thus future milk production potential. Feeding for higher gains in the early calf phase could offset excessive gains (>900g/d) in the heifer rearing stage, reducing the risk for impaired mammary development.

Research has shown that first calving at 22.5-23.5 months is most economical, provided that the animals are of adequate size!

Andre Roy MSc.
Sally Charlton BSc. (Hons)
 April 2003

Numerous studies, back as far as 1968, have examined the effects of feeding increased rates of milk or milk replacer to young calves. Recent developments in this area of heifer rearing have led to enhanced feeding programs.

Conventional calf feeding offers milk replacer, of 18-22% protein and 15-22% fat, at approximately 500g/d. This can support approx. 400g/d live-weight gain (LWG). For dairy replacement heifers of high genetic potential, this is not sufficient to meet optimum growth potential. Recent studies have explored the responses to feeding a higher level of milk replacer (energy intake) with a change in milk replacer composition (protein concentration and energy source). While energy intake is the main driver of bodyweight gain, protein intake can influence both BWG and its composition.

The strategy of lower intakes has typically been a management decision, not necessarily geared to growth potential. The new ‘enhanced’ growth program supports higher rates of feeding that are closer to ad lib feeding systems and thus could be more ‘biologically normal growth’. This growth is aimed at skeleton and muscle, resulting in tall heifers compared to fat heifers.

Increasing the feeding rate of a milk replacer with adequate protein has pronounced effects on growth rate and feed efficiency.

Barlett et al, Univ. of Illinois J.Dairy Sci. Vol.85, suppl. 1

Using a 4,565 Mcal/kg milk replacer of 25% CP/ 17%fat with no calf starter for 5 week period

Tikofsky et al., 2001- Body composition can be altered by the source of energy. High lactose/low fat concentrations in milk replacer favours lower fat deposition.

Hill et al (2001) Substitution rate of milk replacer for dry starter feed is lower for high protein/low fat/high lactose milk replacers compared with conventional milk replacers.

Cornell researchers concluded that, with higher protein levels, a minimum 15% fat could be adequate to maintain lean growth. However, allowances must be made for cold environment conditions. Too low a fat level reduces the stimulatory effect of fat on pancreatic enzyme secretion, so that protein digestion may be impaired.

NRC 2001 – major change is to provide the foundation to think of calves as we have of older animals, in that nutrient requirements are not static but depend on desired rate of gain, body size and environment. The new NRC considers the approach that calf nutrition is dynamic, just as for older cattle. In other words, the product-orientated ‘one size fits all’ mentality of calf raising, (i.e. a single milk replacer formulation or feeding regime is assumed adequate for all calves) gives way to calculating requirements for growth and health and then designing diets to meet those requirements.

Drackley (2001) 26% CP milk replacer maximized growth rate with minimal fat deposition. Research showed that whilst energy intake is the main driver of BWG, protein intake could influence both BWG and the composition of BWG. Drackley, (2000) identified three possible long-term effects of calf growth and development: milk production potential, metabolic imprinting and health and immune status.

Whole milk (Holstein) contains 29-30% fat and 25-26% protein on a dry solids basis.

Diaz et al. (2001) -Using a 30% CP milk replacer showed, that as feeding level increased from 14 to 26 g milk replacer DM/kg bodyweight/day, bodyweight gain and fat content of gain increased but with no reduction in protein content of BW.

With the enhanced feeding program, the milk replacer is designed to meet the correct nutrient balance for high growth rates and intakes in heifers, resulting in taller and well-proportioned heifers that can enter the milk herd earlier and have a higher milk production potential.
Foldager et al, 1997, 48th EAAP Annual Meeting.

Calf Milk Intake and Lactation Yield (Post weaning growth: 0.55 to 0.65kg/d to calving)

The concept is to feed heifers to attain a pre-selected or target weight at a given age to achieve optimum first lactation performance while controlling the costs of rearing replacements. Gaining benefit from enhanced early nutrition requires integration with the entire heifer-rearing program.

Andre Roy MSc.
Sally Charlton BSc. (Hons)
April 2003

Product Profile

A specifically formulated high protein milk replacer for excellence in raising heifer calves.

The Need

Intensive feeding programs have been a major topic for discussion and presentation over the last year. Their aim has been to maximize genetic growth potential, get heifers to breeding weight sooner and also maximize lean tissue growth (height and weight).

A young animal can not be limit fed protein and energy and be successful or efficient in depositing protein as lean tissue growth. During the first two months, calves have the greatest opportunity to maximize rapid early growth. Protein in the diet can be utilized very efficiently at this age. The higher the percentage of protein of the diet (maximum 28%), the better the increase in average daily gain; with a priority on lean muscle tissue deposition over fat. The correct balance of metabolizable energy must also be provided for maintenance and daily gain. Feeding more total nutrients on a conventional program can achieve higher rates of gain, improve health and immune status.

The Feeding

Conventional milk replacer and whole milk heifer calf feeding programs revolved around two times per day feeding and half-gallon or 2 litres per feeding.

Intensive or accelerated feeding programs revolve around feeding more total solids more often. These programs will work on a twice-daily cycle although calves fed more often (i.e.) on automatic feeders or those fed 3 to 4 times per day tend to have a better response. In reality this type of feeding program is more similar to that of the calf nursing on the cow.

If the total volume of milk or milk replacer is limited, a calf will tend to consume calf starter earlier. However, this reduces the calf’s ability to utilize the milk protein portion of the diet and sacrifices growth potential. By extending the liquid feeding period to 7-8 weeks, we can achieve higher gains prior to weaning and a continued benefit post weaning. The ability of the calf or the desire by calves to consume dry feed (starter) is in direct proportion to the volume of liquid feed being offered. To help prevent the weaning stall out, reduce the volume of liquid being fed to achieve a starter intake of 700 to 1000 grams per calf per day, for 3 consecutive days prior to weaning. The calf starter ration, to compliment an intensive calf management program, needs to be highly palatable and of excellent quality. When a high protein milk replacer is being fed (i.e. 26%min.) the calf starter should be at least 22% protein to maintain optimal growth.

As always the availability of clean fresh water is critical to dry matter intake and overall calf health and performance.

Economics

Although the initial cost of an intensive feeding program is higher than the conventional feeding program, it is important to determine the goals of the calf raiser and the finished economics. The true measure of an enhanced feeding program has to be measured in terms of breeding weight & height, calving age, improved milk production and overall animal development.

Grober Excel calf milk replacer is part of a full management program. Please contact Grober Animal Nutrition for more details.

Andre Roy MSc.
Sally Charlton BSc. (Hons)
April 2003

inter-feeding in cold climatic conditions requires additional attention to ensure that the young calf is provided with sufficient nutrients for maintenance and for growth expectations.

The young calf has limited reserves of energy and when exposed to temperatures below the lower critical temperature for extended periods of time, these reserves are quickly depleted. For example a day old calf has about 500g of fat and 180g of glycogen that it can mobilize and metabolize for energy sources. These reserves of energy would be exhausted in approximately 18 hours (Okamoto et al, 1986).

Researchers (1985) have shown weight gains were highest for calves fed additional solids and were greater with more feedings per day. This was in comparison to adding a whey fat blend to the ration.

The table below illustrates the effect of reducing temperatures on energy retention by the young calf and the amount of Excel milk replacer (ME: 4.33 Mcal/kg DM) required to maintain energy balance.

(adapted from Schrama et al, 1993) *calculations based on extra heat production value of 2.15 kcal/kg0.75 per day per °C below critical temperature.

This clearly shows that the energy requirement of the young calf is dramatically increased when the environmental temperature falls below its critical temperature. If target growth rates are to be maintained then producers must feed their calves extra energy during winter months.

Ways to help the young calf under conditions of cold stress are:

• Ensure that the calf has access to dry, well-bedded shelter that provides protection from wind and is free from drafts.

• Provide extra energy through its feed by increasing the amount of milk or milk replacer being fed. (see related table for Excel/ High Performance and VG milk replacer)

• Observe the weather forecast so that changes can be introduced gradually.

• Calves with a negative energy balance will use brown fat stores available to generate heat to maintain core body temperature. This is not efficient and will affect the health status and immune function of the young calf.

The calf starter ration, to compliment grain veal program, needs to be highly palatable and of excellent quality. When a high protein milk replacer (21%) is being fed, the calf starter should be at least 18-20% protein to maintain optimal growth.

It is critical that protein needs must be met to help maintain early growth rate advantage.

In raising calves, the major goals of feeding before weaning are to:

• Feed for optimum health and strong immunity
• Have good skeletal development
• Encourage the intake of starter
• Develop rumen activity
• Prepare the calf for weaning

Restricted feeding can impair the immune system. (Kelly, 1980)

To help prevent the weaning stall out, reduce the volume of liquid being fed to achieve a starter intake of 900 grams per calf per day, for 3 consecutive days prior to weaning.

A calf should not be weaned until its rumen is functional and capable of supporting all of its nutritional needs. Normal and early development of the rumen requires:

• 1. Bacteria

• 2. Liquid in the rumen

• 3. Absorptive ability of rumen wall tissue

Bacteria

Bacteria begin to grow in the rumen as soon as the calf begins to eat. The types of bacteria that develop are dependent on the type of feed that the calf eats. Milk supports aerobic bacteria development, while dry feed supports anaerobic bacteria. It is anaerobic bacteria that are necessary for proper rumen development and function.

Liquid in the Rumen

Bacteria in the rumen can only survive in a water environment. Most of the water that enters the rumen is from free water intake. Milk or milk replacer does not constitute free water. They bypass the rumen due to the esophageal groove that is active until 12 weeks of age. The intake of water stimulates dry feed intake, thus the availability of clean fresh water is critical to dry matter intake and overall calf health and performance. Typically, a 180kg calf consumes 10-30 litres of water daily depending on temperature, humidity and dry matter of the diet.

Effect of free choice water on calf performance

Kertz, A.F. 1984 J.D.S. 67: 2964-2969

Absorptive Ability of Rumen Wall Tissue

The absorption of end products of fermentation is a very important part of rumen development.

The energy requirements of the newborn calf are met from absorption of glucose from the abomasum.

There is little or no absorption or metabolism of volatile fatty acids (VFA) in neonatal calves.

The rumen must develop this ability prior to weaning. The rumen consists of two layers, the epithelial layer and the muscular layer.

The muscle layer is responsible for rumen contractions and gives support to the epithelial layer.

The epithelial layer of the rumen wall is the absorptive layer. End products (VFA) of ruminal fermentation, particularly propionate and butyrate, provide the stimulus needed for epithelial development.

Calves denied access to dry feed will not develop a functional rumen.

It is grain intake rather than hay/straw intake that is important to ensure rapid rumen development and a smooth transition at weaning time.

Calf time line and rumen development

*Primary organ, ** Primary nutrient weaning

General Guidelines

• A good quality palatable starter (min 18% protein) should be offered from day 5.
• Feed to appetite, with frequent fresh ‘top ups’, is preferable to ad lib feeding.
• Calves prefer to have calf starter in a shallow bowl, one in which they can scrape their tongues under the grain. They consume more starter when they are able to reach the bottom of the container. Deep containers are less attractive to calves as accumulated feed becomes spoiled with saliva and calves find it physically more challenging to get at the feed.
• All buckets and containers should be emptied and cleaned daily.
• Calves should not be weaned until they are eating 900 grams of starter per day for 3 consecutive days.
• Calf starter with considerable molasses may freeze in winter into frozen lumps and may clump in the hot humid summer months.
• Calf starter with excessive molasses may attract flies in the summer.
• Pelleted calf starter may crumble. Fines from old pelleted calf starter are especially unpalatable for calves. Pelleted calf starters are excellent feeds, but it becomes very important for daily replenishment.
• Ensure adequate fresh, clean water is available.

Andre Roy MSc.
Sally Charlton BSc. (Hons)
April 2003

The calf starter ration, to compliment an intensive calf management program, needs to be highly palatable and of excellent quality. When a high protein milk replacer (26%) is being fed, the calf starter should be at least 22% protein to maintain optimal growth.

It is critical that protein needs must be met to help maintain early growth rate advantage and prevent development of fatty udders.

In raising dairy heifers, the major goals of feeding before weaning are to:

• Feed for optimum health and strong immunity
• Encourage the intake of starter
• Have good skeletal development
• Develop rumen activity
• Prepare the calf for weaning

Extending the liquid feeding period to 7-8 weeks can achieve higher gains prior to weaning and a continued benefit post weaning. The ability of the calf or the desire by calves to consume dry feed (starter) is in direct proportion to the volume of liquid feed being offered.

To help prevent the weaning stall out, reduce the volume of liquid being fed to achieve a starter intake of 900 grams per calf per day, for 3 consecutive days prior to weaning.

A calf should not be weaned until its rumen is functional and capable of supporting all of its nutritional needs. Normal and early development of the rumen requires:

• 1. Bacteria
• 2. Liquid in the rumen
• 3. Absorptive ability of rumen wall tissue

Bacteria

Bacteria begin to grow in the rumen as soon as the calf begins to eat. The types of bacteria that develop are dependent on the type of feed that the calf eats. Milk supports aerobic bacteria development, while dry feed supports anaerobic bacteria. It is anaerobic bacteria that are necessary for proper rumen development and function.

Liquid in the Rumen

Bacteria in the rumen can only survive in a water environment. Most of the water that enters the rumen is from free water intake. Milk or milk replacer does not constitute free water. They bypass the rumen due to the oesphageal groove that is active until 12 weeks of age. The intake of water stimulates dry feed intake, thus the availability of clean fresh water is critical to dry matter intake and overall calf health and performance.

Kertz, A.F. 1984 J.D.S. 67: 2964-2969

Absorptive Ability of Rumen Wall Tissue

The absorption of end products of fermentation is a very important part of rumen development.

The energy requirements of the new-born calf are met from absorption of glucose from the abomasum.

There is little or no absorption or metabolism of volatile fatty acids (VFA) in neonatal calves.

The rumen must develop this ability prior to weaning.

The rumen consists of two layers, the epithelial layer and the muscular layer. The muscle layer is responsible for rumen contractions and gives support to the epithelial layer.

The epithelial layer of the rumen wall is the absorptive layer.

End products (VFA) of ruminal fermentation, particularly propionate and butyrate, provide the stimulus needed for epithelial development.

Calves denied access to dry feed will not develop a functional rumen.

It is grain intake rather than hay/straw intake that is important to ensure rapid rumen development and a smooth transition at weaning time.

Calf time line and rumen development

*Primary organ, ** Primary nutrient weaning

General Guidelines

• A good quality palatable starter (min 22% protein) should be on offer from day 5.
• Feed to appetite, with frequent fresh ‘top ups’, is preferable to ad lib feeding.
• Calves prefer to have calf starter in a shallow bowl, one in which they can scrape their tongues under the grain. They consume more starter when they are able to reach the bottom of the container. Deep containers are less attractive to calves as accumulated feed becomes spoiled with saliva and calves find it physically more challenging to get at the feed.
• All buckets and containers should be emptied and cleaned daily.
• Calves should not be weaned until they are eating 900 grams of starter per day for 3 consecutive days.
• Calf starter with considerable molasses may freeze in winter into frozen lumps and may clump in the hot humid summer months.
• Calf starter with excessive molasses may attract flies in the summer.
• Pelleted calf starter may crumble. Fines from old pelleted calf starter are especially unpalatable for calves. Pelleted calf starters are excellent feeds, but it becomes very important for daily replenishment.
• Ensure adequate fresh, clean water is available.

Andre Roy MSc.
Sally Charlton BSc. (Hons)
April 2003

What is colostrum?

Colostrum is the first milk produced after calving. It contains immunoglobulins (antibodies) to the diseases in the cow’s environment. Newborn calves have no immunoglobulins of their own; they rely upon receiving the colostral immunoglobulins from their mother for disease protection in the first weeks of life. 
Colostrum absorption by the newborn calf.
The gastrointestinal tract of the newborn calf allows absorption of the colostral immunoglobulins into the blood stream only for the first 12-24 hours of life. Following this initial period the gastrointestinal tract changes so that additional immunoglobulin cannot be absorbed directly into the blood stream.

Implications of colostrum absorption. 

If the newborn calf receives enough maternal colostrum and this colostrum contains high titers of immunoglobulins to the important diseases in the calf’s environment, the calf will be protected against disease in the early weeks of life. However, if the calf does not receive enough colostrum or the colostrum has inadequate titers of immunglobulins to the diseases in its environment, the calf is at high risk for disease. 

Failure of immunoglobulin transfer from mother to calf.

The lack of adequate colostral immunoglobulin in the newborn calf is referred to as “failure of passive transfer of maternal antibodies”. The main causes of failure of passive transfer of maternal antibodies are poor mothering, weak calves that fail to suckle, and/or poor quantity and quality of maternal colostrum; the latter is usually associated with first-calf heifers.

Products to treat failure of transfer of maternal antibodies.

Colostrum products are produced from natural colostrum, blood serum and as by-products of the cheese industry. Only products produced from natural colostrum contain the high quantities of immunoglobulins necessary for normal calf health.

Striking a partnership with the Grober team are: (from L-R) Piet Zeeman, Yves Barbet, Pascal Bouilly (kneeling), Jerry Bartelse (President), Heather Copland (Marketing & Communications Manager), Jordon Underhill of Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show (kneeling), André Roy (Director of Technical Services), Grant Gould (Director of Sales), Jurian Bartelse, and Doug Wagner of Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show.WOODSTOCK, ON – “This is a unique opportunity to springboard to the next level in the study and care of young animals,” said Heather Copland at the official announcement of Grober Nutrition’s plan to establish a Young Animal Development Centre on the grounds of Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show at Woodstock, ON.

Copland, Grober’s Marketing Manager said the new centre will both complement and expand the company’s more than 30 years of experience in improving the growth and nutrition parameters for young animals.

“Partnering with Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show permits us to showcase the feeding programs and the housing systems that are so important to the health and growth of young animals,” she said.

The multi-year agreement between Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show and Grober Nutrition was described by Jordon Underhill, the Show’s General Manager, as “another step in the evolution of our Show and our commitment to be at the forefront of ag technology whether it be crops, livestock or machinery.” Underhill said the Young Animal Development Centre will provide livestock producers with an opportunity to see the practical application of world-leading innovation in the feeding and handling of young stock.

At the 2008 Show, attendees will be able to view the pre-existing structure and conceptual layout of the Grober Centre. Beginning in 2009, with all renovations completed, visitors to Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show will see feeding and housing trials in progress as well as results from previous groups of young animals reared in the facility.

The Young Animal Development Centre will enable Grober Nutrition to expand its development of milk replacers and other young animal nutrition products for the livestock industry.

“With this additional space, we look forward to doing more work with dairy goats and milking sheep, as well as our industry-recognized milk replacers for dairy calves,” said Andre Roy, Director of Technical Services at Grober. Roy said there will be two sets of trials for young stock in the barn each year – the first group to enter the facility in early spring and move out by mid-summer; the second group to follow in the summer and finish by mid-fall.

Grober Nutrition anticipates developing partnerships with other industry stakeholders as part of the feeding and housing trials planned for the new facility. “The Young Animal Development Centre brings a new opportunity for partnerships with universities, as well as nutrition and equipment suppliers,” said Grant Gould, Grober’s Director of Sales. “We intend to look for partners,” he said, noting that Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show and the new Centre are located in the heart of Ontario’s dairy industry. “The spring to fall operation of the barn will provide opportunities for co-op students and researchers as we develop products and programs focused on the health and care of young animals,” Gould stated.

Representatives from Grober Nutrition, which is headquartered in Cambridge, will be available to answer questions in the new Cover-All facility from September 9th to 11th.

Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show will be held September 9, 10 & 11, 2008 at Canada’s Outdoor Park in Woodstock, ON. Visit www.CanadasOutdoorPark.com for details.