Grober Nutrition

Posts Tagged ‘calf health’

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

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

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.