Grober Nutrition

Posts Tagged ‘calving’

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

It is important to remember that the foundations of udder development are completed within the first 15 months of life. Mammary growth and development is a component of the reproductive process and is affected by hormonal changes that occur as the animal develops.

The basic structures of the mammary gland (teats, circulatory system, mammary fat pad and ligaments) are established at birth.

From birth to approximately 3 months, the mammary gland grows at roughly the same rate as the rest of the body (isometric growth). During this period, the adipose tissue and the circulatory system develops, which serve as a structure in which the duct network will later develop.

From 3 months until approximately 10 months of age, the mammary gland develops at a faster rate than the body (allometric), contributes a large portion of the ductwork development and increases the size of the fat pad.

From 10 months to calving, the mammary growth slows to a rate more consistent with body growth. A large amount (80%) of mammary growth occurs during gestation with most of the milk secretory tissue development occurring during the last 60 days of gestation.
The allometric growth is in response to changes in the level and frequency of hormonal secretions associated with puberty, pregnancy and parturition.
Proper rate of body weight gain from 3 to 10 months of age may be critical for optimum development of the mammary system. The diet can be influential during this period and incorrect feeding during this period has consequences for the milk production potential of the cow. The heifer’s growth rate is required such that she achieves her correct breeding weight at 15 months but is not allowed to get fat. Puberty is associated with weight and not age.

The requirement for a high-energy diet, to achieve the target growth rate of high genetic merit heifers, must be balanced with sufficient protein, and in particular, high quality by-pass protein. If the growth pattern is one of high energy alone, fat rather than milk-secreting tissue will be deposited in the udder. This results in a heifer with sub-optimal milk quality and quantity performance. High-energy diets depress somatotrophin (ST) secretion, thus reducing the extent of mammary development. ST (and oestrogen) mediates mammary duct growth.
Andre Roy MSc.
Sally Charlton BSc. (Hons)
 April 2003

The profit-making potential of the modern cow depends on her ability to combine production and type. Functional type enables a cow to produce over a long lifetime. (Holstein Canada)

Relative Emphasis for Cows

Body weight alone should not be a measure for developmental traits of heifers. Wither height is also any important measurement of skeletal development (frame and capacity). If heifers are not grown properly and do not achieve sufficient size at calving, they will not be able to take in the ‘fuel’ to power their genetic ability. Body condition is also another important management tool.

Inadequate size at first calving will reduce the potential milk production during first and second lactations due to reduced intakes, competition of nutrients for continued growth and inadequate energy reserves. This may also delay conception during the first lactation.

TYPICAL TARGETS 700kg mature weight:

Hoffman, Frank, Syverud, 1991.

To maximize milk production and profits, a nutrition and management program should be designed to provide adequate growth and properly conditioned heifers.

The key to successful growth rates is to plan a feeding strategy form birth for every stage of rearing to match a heifer’s genetic potential. Growth rates are also affected by the environment and health status.

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

We most often concentrate on milking cows to meet financial and milk supply commitments and to let the herd replacements take a back seat. Replacement heifers are tomorrow’s profit earners and deserve as much detailed attention as the milking herd. Managing the growth of replacement heifers to achieve sufficient body size and yet assure optimum mammary development is a concern among dairy research institutions, nutritionists and dairy producers.

The improved genetic heifer or modern Holstein heifer that has the potential to calve at 24 months of age has specific growth, weight and height targets throughout her growing phase. To achieve early maturation of the reproductive tract, heifers must be fed to attain rapid body weight gains during the growth period.

There are three phases of heifer development:

• Prepuberty
• Puberty/conception
• Late gestation.

It is evident that:

• The rate of growth during the rearing period influences milk yield,
• The level of nutrition around the time of service affects pregnancy rates and
• The management of the heifer at calving influences the incidence of dystocia and calf mortality.

Attention to detail and good management throughout the rearing period has a considerable effect on longevity and overall herd profitability. The onset of puberty is largely a function of bodyweight.

CALF REARING TARGETS (HOLSTEIN-0-3 MONTHS)

* (0.6) mature body wt. (Troccon 1993)
** (0.82) mature body wt. (NRC 2001)

TARGET GROWTH RATES FOR HOLSTEIN HEIFERS

*pre calving weight

“What does it cost to raise a heifer of good or bad genetic potential?”

Feed costs alone run $.95/day.
That amounts to $693.50 (365 days x *2 yrs. x $.95),
plus other costs to total an estimated $1,600.
*1996 data indicates average age for first calving in Ontario was 27 ½ months.

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.