Posts Tagged ‘colostrum’
HEADSTART HiCal Feeding Trial
pdf of HEADSTART HiCal Feeding Trial | Winter 2009
IMMUNITY RICH – The following lamb feeding trial conducted by Dr. G. SHEPHERD (BVM&S MRCVS , G. Shepherd Animal Health Ltd. Preston, Lancashire, UK) confirms that HEADSTART HiCal™ provides lambs with high levels of immunoglobulins.
A flock of 170 mixed aged ewes was scanned using real time ultrasound to diagnose foetal numbers. Triplet bearing ewes were housed, and immediately after lambing the ewe and her lambs were placed in an individual pen.
At 2- 3 hours old all the triplet lambs were assessed for “gut-fill” by lifting the lamb by the forelegs and observing the shape and fullness of the abdomen.
Lambs that were not considered to be “full” were supplemented with 10g of HEADSTART HiCal™ colostrum powder per kilogram of bodyweight given via oesophageal tube. A second feeding of reconstituted HEADSTART HiCal™ was given at the same dose 3-4 hours later.
A blood sample was collected from the lambs at 48-72 hours of age and submitted to a government laboratory for measurement of serum immunoglobulin levels by the Zinc Sulphate Turbidity (ZST) test.
Any illness or deaths were recorded. Lambs remained with their mothers in individual lambing pens for a day then were transferred to small grass paddocks.
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RESULTS – A total of fifteen lambs were triplets and were supplemented with HEADSTART HiCal™.
Health and Survival. – No illness or deaths were recorded in the lambs by the time they joined the main flock.
Immunoglobulin Levels. – The average ZST level in the 15 lambs fed HEADSTART HiCal™ was 28.9 units, and 14/15 lambs had ZST levels above 20 units. ZST units are similar to grams/L or mg/dL of serum IgG or globulin protein as measured in North America.
The levels seen in the lambs in this trial confirm that supplementing lambs with HEADSTART HiCal™ provided very high levels of immunity.
Proud distributor of HeadStart HiCal® colostrum replacer
800-265-7863 x210 – orders@grober.com
Colostrum Replacer
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HeadStart™ HiCal- Colostrum for Lambs
Unit Quantity Packaging: 25 ounces (700 gram) tub, containing up to 20 lamb feedings
Pallet Quantity: 250 tubs per pallet
Description
(Saskatoon Colostrum Co. Ltd.) The perfect feed supplement to help newborn lambs survive and thrive, made from natural bovine colostrum. Newborn lambs need rapid access to colostrum soon after birth and throughout the first day of life to maintain body temperature and prevent infection. Designed to provide lambs with high levels of colostral fat needed to prevent hypoglycemia and hypothermia and gain body weight, as well as immunity, growth factors, and other key nutrients. Use to supplement or replace ewe colostrum when:
- the quality or quantity of available ewe colostrum is inadequate;
- lambs are unable to suckle, such as in multiple births, first pregnancy ewes, and lambs born to sick or weak ewes; or
- ewes are infected with ovine progressive pneumonia (OPP), Johne’s Disease or other diseases that can be transferred from ewes to lambs through colostrum.
“Easy Mix” formula provides energy potency, immune potency, convenience, and uniformity. Comes with convenient scoop to measure individual feedings based on lamb body weight. Each 25 oz tub provides up to 20 lamb feedings.
Minimum Guaranteed Analysis
- Bovine Globulin Protein (Min) ………14%
- Crude Protein (Min) ………………43.0%
- Crude Fat (Min) ……………………23.0%
- Crude Fiber (Max) …………………..1.0%
- Calcium (Min-Max) ……………0.9%-1.1%
- Phosphorus (Min) ……………………0.8%
Feeding Recommendations for Lambs
The following feeding recommendations are for lambs that do not receive any other colostrum. They are based on body weight, but it should be noted that specific needs will vary depending on environmental conditions. When given in each of three feedings in the first 18 hours of life these feeding recommendations are designed to provide a newborn lamb with the energy needed for maintenance plus gain under indoor [still, dry] conditions, or with maintenance and lower gain under outdoor conditions.
Newborn lambs should receive their first feeding of colostrum as soon after birth as possible, and not later than 6 hours of age. Undersized, weak or stressed lambs may also benefit from continued feeding of HEADSTART® HiCal after the first day of age.
Mixing – Use a whisk to mix each feeding into water that is hot to the touch 55°C (130°F). Avoid water temperatures above 55°C (130°F). Hot water and vigorous mixing are required because of the high levels of natural fat and proteins. Feeding – After mixing, HEADSTART HiCal can be fed by nipple bottle or oesophageal tube. The liquid can be stored refrigerated for up to 72 hr, and before feeding should be re-warmed to 40°C (104°F) by immersing in warm water.
| Lamb Type | Typical Lamb Weight (kg) | Powder/Feed (g) | No. of Level Scoops | Water/Feed (ml) | Final Volume /Feeding (ml) |
| Triplet | 3.0 | 30.0 | 1.5 | 110 | 135 |
| Twin | 4.0 | 40.0 | 2.0 | 150 | 180 |
| Low Average | 4.5 | 45.0 | 2.25 | 170 | 210 |
| Average | 5.0 | 50.0 | 2.5 | 190 | 230 |
| High Average | 6.0 | 60.0 | 3.0 | 225 | 270 |
| Over Sized | 8.0 | 80.0 | 4.0 | 300 | 360 |
Each Level scoop measures 20 g (0.7 oz) of HEADSTART HiCal
Note: Due to high fat content, colostrum may be too thick to pass through standard kid nipples. It may be necessary to enlarge the nipple opening.
Feeding Recommendations
Newborn lambs have limited energy reserves and need rapid access to colostrum to maintain body temperature and survive. This is especially true for lambs that have a difficult birth, are born into cold temperatures, or are born to poorly fed ewes. HEADSTART ® HiCal has been formulated to contain natural high levels of colostral fat and lactose because they are the only nutrients that newborn lambs can quickly convert into the energy needed to maintain body temperature.
Rarely, cows produce antibodies that can destroy lamb blood cells. If newborn lambs ingest large amounts of these antibodies anemia may result. Affected lambs may become weak and have pale (white) gums. HEADSTART ® HiiCal is made from colostrum pooled from thousands of cows and it is very unlikely that such antibodies will be present in amounts sufficient to affect lamb blood cells. This syndrome is much more likely when lambs are fed bovine colostrum from a single cow producing these antibodies. However, in the unlikely event that signs of anemia are noticed, stop all feeding of HEADSTART ® HiCal and consult a veterinarian.
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Colostrum Replacer
HeadStart™ HiCal – Colostrum for Goat Kids
Unit Quantity Packaging: 25 ounces (700 gram) tub, containing up to 20 kid feedings
Pallet Quantity: 250 tubs per pallet
Description
(Saskatoon Colostrum Co. Ltd.) The perfect feed supplement to help newborn kids survive and thrive made from natural bovine colostrum. It is important that newborn kids consume adequate amounts of colostrum soon after birth and throughout the first day of life to allow them to maintain body temperature and to ensure adequate immune transfer. Kid’s Choice Total™ is designed to provide kids with high levels of colostral fat needed to prevent hypoglycemia and hypothermia, as well as immunity, growth factors, and other key nutrients. Kid’s Choice Total™ is a natural alternative to supplement or replace doe colostrum when:
- the quality or quantity of available doe colostrum is inadequate;
- kids are unable to suckle, such as in multiple births, first pregnancy does, and kids born to sick or weak does; or
- does are infected with caprine arthritis encephalitis (CAE) virus, Johne’s Disease, caseous lymphadenitis or other diseases that can be transferred from does to kids through colostrum.
“Easy Mix” formula provides energy potency, immune potency, convenience, and uniformity. Comes with convenient scoop to measure individual feedings based on kid body weight. Each 25 oz tub provides up to 20 kid feedings.
Minimum Guaranteed Analysis
- Bovine Globulin Protein (Min) ………14%
- Crude Protein (Min) ………………43.0%
- Crude Fat (Min) ……………………23.0%
- Crude Fiber (Max) …………………..1.0%
- Calcium (Min-Max) ……………0.9%-1.1%
- Phosphorus (Min) ……………………0.8%
Feeding Recommendations for Goat Kids
The following feeding recommendations are for goat kids that do not receive any other colostrum. They are based on body weight, but it should be noted that specific needs will vary depending on environmental conditions. When given in each of three feedings in the first 18 hours of life these feeding recommendations are designed to provide a newborn goat kid with the energy needed for maintenance plus gain under indoor [still, dry] conditions, or with maintenance and lower gain under outdoor conditions.
Newborn goat kids should receive their first feeding of colostrum as soon after birth as possible, and not later than 6 hours of age. Undersized, weak or stressed goat kids may also benefit from continued feeding of HEADSTART® HiCaCafter the first day of age.
Mixing – Use a whisk to mix each feeding into water that is hot to the touch 55°C (130°F). Avoid water temperatures above 55°C (130°F). Hot water and vigorous mixing are required because of the high levels of natural fat and proteins. Feeding – After mixing, HEADSTART® HiCal can be fed by nipple bottle or oesophageal tube. The liquid can be stored refrigerated for up to 72 hr, and before feeding should be re-warmed to 40°C (104°F) by immersing in warm water.
| Typical Goat kid Weight (kg) | Powder/Feed (g) | No. of Level Scoops | Water/Feed (ml) | Final Volume/feeding (ml) |
| 1 | 10.0 | 0.5 | 37 | 45 |
| 2 | 20.0 | 1.0 | 73 | 90 |
| 3 | 30.0 | 1.5 | 110 | 135 |
| 4 | 40.0 | 2.0 | 150 | 180 |
| 5 | 50.0 | 2.5 | 190 | 230 |
| 6 | 60.0 | 3.0 | 225 | 270 |
Each Level scoop measures 20 g(0.7 oz) of HEADSTART HiCal
Note: Due to high fat content, colostrum may be too thick to pass through standard kid nipples. It may be necessary to enlarge the nipple opening.
Feeding Recommendations
Newborn goat kids have limited energy reserves and need rapid access to colostrum to maintain body temperature and survive. This is especially true for goat kids that have a difficult birth, are born into cold temperatures, or are born to poorly fed does. HEADSTART® HiCal has been formulated to contain natural high levels of colostral fat and lactose because they are the only nutrients that newborn goat kids can quickly convert into the energy needed to maintain body temperature.
Rarely, cows produce antibodies that can destroy goat kid blood cells. If newborn goat kids ingest large amounts of these antibodies anemia may result. Affected goat kids may become weak and have pale (white) gums. HEADSTART ® 3-fiCal is made from colostrum pooled from thousands of cows and it is very unlikely that such antibodies will be present in amounts sufficient to affect goat kid blood cells. This syndrome is much more likely when goat kids are fed bovine colostrum from a single cow producing these antibodies. However, in the unlikely event that signs of anemia are noticed, stop all feeding of HEADSTART® HiCal and consult a veterinarian.
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Find a Dealer near you in Canada | Contact us by email | Use this contact form for product info
Call Toll Free (800) 265-7863 ext. 219
Calf’s Choice Total
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- CALF’S CHOICE TOTAL is a premium colostrum supplement that prevents Failure of
Passive Transfer (FPT) of immunity from cows to their calves. - This colostrum supplement contains spraydried bovine colostrum that has been heat treated for safety. Therefore, it is free of all pathogenic bacteria and is safe to use, even in high health herds.
- When fed as directed, CALF’S CHOICE TOTAL gives calves a minimum of more than
10 grams of immunoglobulins (Igs) per liter of serum (Ig/L). Research has shown that this level protects calves from most common infectious diseases. - CALF’S CHOICE TOTAL contains antibodies against a wide variety of common infectious organisms, including: Escherichia coli (E.coli), Bovine Rotavirus and Coronavirus, Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV), Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus (B RSV), Bovine Parainfluenza Type 3 Virus (PI-3V), and Bovine Herpesvirus-1 (B H V-1).
Summary – seven key performance features
| PRODUCT FEATURE | CALF’S CHOICE TOTAL |
| Ig per dose | 100 grams Ig/dose |
| Total weight of each dose | 470 grams |
| Recommended feeding schedule | One (1) dose within 6 hours of birth. |
| Volume of each feeding | 1.25 liters |
| Minimum serum Ig level after recommended feedings. | > 10 grams/L |
| Prevents Failure of Passive Transfer. | YES |
| Contains antibodies to: , | E. coli, Bovine Rotavirus, Bovine Coronavirus BVDV, BRSV, PI-3V, BHV-1 |
| Free of Pathogenic Bacteria, including, M. paratuberculosis, E. coli, and salmonella species. | YES |
Mixing Directions | Feeding Tips
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Water – an Essential Nutrient
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.
| Effect of free choice water on calf performance | Water Free Choice |
Water None |
| Daily gain (grams) | 309 | 180 |
| Calf starter intake (kg) | 11.8 | 8.18 |
| Scour days per calf | 4.5 | 5.4 |
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
| Age (months) | Litres per day |
| 1 | 5-7.5 |
| 2 | 5.5-9 |
| 3 | 8-10 |
| 4 | 11.5-13.5 |
What effects water intake?
- Ambient temperature – the hotter the weather, the more water the calf requires. Water requirements increase exponentially as the temperature rises; as temperatures approach 32ºC, water requirement increases dramatically. Calves cannot sweat but still need to stay cool. Water is required to eliminate heat of metabolism and digestion. If sufficient water is not available for cooling, feed intake is depressed.
- Scours - A calf that is about to get scours or some other health issue will drink more water. Calves that consume water when they are healthy tend to have fewer days scouring and when they do scour the outbreak is less severe.
- Water Temperature – Studies have shown that feedlot beef cattle consume less cool water (10ºC), but gain more weight than when warm water (32ºC) is provided. Cattle perform best when cool water (10ºC) is fed because it helps the animal get rid of excess heat.
In cold conditions, warm water will reduce ‘cold load’ on the calf and increase time to freezing. - Starter intake – water intake is very closely correlated with starter intake. (see column 1)
- Amount liquid milk replacer – as milk intake increases, water intake decreases.
- Incorrect feeding: Calves may consume more water because they are still hungry (i.e.) not getting enough energy from the milk. E.g. If you feed 4L of 20/20 replacer during cold winter temperatures, it is NOT enough calories for the calf to maintain and grow. (see winter feeding article).
Water Quality
Producers should be aware of their water quality and ensure that water sources used for the calf are fresh, clean and free of contaminants.
At least, yearly water analysis is suggested for all water systems and particular attention after snow has melted, heavy rainfall and excessive run-off situations. Particular attention should be paid to well water sources.
Water can become contaminated with chemicals, microbial organisms, high levels of minerals etc that could be detrimental to young animals, affecting their health and/or growth. (see table below).
Warm milk replacer can provide an ideal medium for rapid bacterial growth. Low bacterial contamination of the water source could provide sufficient bacterial load to cause disease in young animals. E.g. in a US study, 73% of surface waters had cryptosporidial oocysts.
How to meet calf needs
Provide adequate fresh clean cool (10oC) water daily. Ensure adequate water supply under ice conditions.
Clean all buckets and containers daily.
Check automatic systems regularly to ensure clean and adequate flow. Contaminated nozzles and pipelines may encourage bacteria and fungi to grow.
Adequate clean, fresh water = improved rate of gain, feed conversion, health and profit.
| Chemical Name | Guideline | Units | Application |
| Alkalinity (as CaCO3) | 500 | mg/L | Alkalinity levels above 500 mg/L can have a laxative effect. Lower levels may have a laxative effect if sulphate is present in the water. |
| Aluminium (Al) | 0.5 | mg/L | Upper limit guideline for cattle. |
| Bacteria | Calves: total bacteria <10,000, total coliform, 0, faecal coliform, 0, faecal strep., 0). |
Counts per 100 mL |
No definite guidelines for presence of microbes in livestock drinking water sources. If pollution is from human wastes, faecal coliforms should exceed faecal strep by several times. If pollution is from an animal source, strep should exceed coliform in refrigerated samples run soon after taking. |
| Calcium (Ca) | 700 | mg/L | Guideline value when magnesium is present |
| Calcium (Ca) | 1000 | mg/L | Guideline value when magnesium is absent |
| Chloride (Cl) | 1000 | mg/L | >250ppm can cause brackish taste that may result in low water intake. Reduced growth in immature chickens, but effect largely overcome by adding Na and K. Humans <250mg/L Veal target <5ppm. |
| Chromium (Cr) | 1.0 | mg/L | Guideline max for cattle 0.1ppm(NRC), 0.05ppm (U.S.EPA) |
| Cobalt (Co) | 1.0 | mg/L | Guideline value. Cobalt is an essential trace element; toxicity symptoms will likely not become apparent until levels an order of magnitude higher than the recommended level is reached. |
| Copper (Cu) | 1.0 | mg/L | Guideline value for cattle. Copper is essential to animal health and is often a feed additive. Revise levels downwards if supplements are given or feed is high in copper. (0.5mg/l recommended) |
| 0.5 | mg/L | Guideline value for sheep | |
| 0.6 | mg/L | Guideline value for pigs and poultry. High levels produce a bitter flavour. | |
| Fluoride (F) | 2 | mg/L | Guideline value, but mottling of teeth may occur at this level. If fluoride is included in feed, concentration should not exceed 1 mg/L. |
| Hardness (as CaCO3) | 0-60 soft 61-120 mod.hard 121-180 hard >180 v.hard |
mg/L | Hardness has no effect on water safety, but can result in the accumulation of scale in water delivery pipes. The scale mainly consists of magnesium, manganese, iron and calcium carbonates. Water with less than 120 mg/L as CaCO3 is ideal. |
| Iodide (I) | 50 | mg /day | Reduced reproduction in sheep, 2,500 mg/L no effect on pigs, 625-5,000 mg/L caused reduced egg production, egg size, and hatchability in laying hens. |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.3 | mg/L | No toxicity guideline established. Veal calves will have increased colouration of meat at iron levels as low as 0.1 mg/; this level can also give milk an oxidized flavour. Iron can present problems in restricted flow drinking water lines where iron precipitation may plug the line. It can also present problems when water is disinfected and can encourage bacterial slime growth in water supply lines. |
| Lead (Pb) | 0.1 | mg/L | Guideline value. Lead is cumulative and problems may begin at 0.05mg/l. Chronic lead poisoning may occur at levels of 0.5 to 1.0 mg/L. NRC -cattle guide maximum -0.015mg/l |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 150 | mg/L | Reduced growth and bone mineralization in immature chickens. An upper limit of 125 has been suggested for dairy cows and 30 for veal calves. Magnesium forms part of the hardness in water. |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.05 | mg/L | No toxicity guideline established. Manganese together with iron will discolour fixtures. Manganese and iron can present problems in restricted flow devices in drinking water lines where manganese precipitation may plug the line. Manganese will also present problems when the water is to be disinfected. Can also have an adverse effect on taste. Target 0.02mg/l for veal calves. |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.25 | mg/L | Guideline value. An essential element, but it is toxic (linked to intake of copper sulphate. Cu:Mo ratio of 2:1 will prevent poisoning. Sheep, swine and poultry are more tolerant than cattle to poisoning. |
| Molybdenum (total) | 0.05 | mg/L | Maximum Criterion. British Columbia maintains a 10 times lower value for molybdenum. |
| Nitrate (NO3) | 0-100 | mg/L | Guideline value. Nitrate may impair the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood by nitrite reducing haemoglobin to methemoglobin. Ruminants are more sensitive than monogastrics because of the ability of the rumen microbes to reduce nitrate to the more toxic nitrite. Often indicates bacterial contamination or contamination from runoff water from land that has received heavy application of fertilizer. Reduced gains, milk production, reproductive problems. Take care that comparing analyses are same. (i.e)10mg/l nitrate equivalent to 2.3mg/l nitrate-N. Human max. Nitrate-N is 10mg/l |
| Nitrite (NO2) | 10 | mg/L | Guideline value More toxic than nitrate. Nitrite may impair the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood by reducing haemoglobin to methemoglobin. Animal suffocates. >4mg/l maybe toxic to cattle. Nitrite-N human max 1mg/l (3.3mg/l Nitrite). |
| 0-0.1 | mg/l | Veal target | |
| pH | 6.5-8.5 | pH units | Guideline values. If pH is lower than 5.5, acidosis and reduced feed intake may occur in cattle, but is unlikely to have an effect on pigs. Chlorination efficiency is reduced at high pH. A low pH may cause precipitation of some antibacterial agents delivered through the water system (for example sulphonamides). Veal calves target: 6.8-7.3. |
| Phosphate (total P) | 1 | mg/l | Guideline value. In surface waters, phosphate is typically a limiting plant nutrient. Human max. recommended is 0.1mg/l. |
| Potassium (K) | 10 | mg/l | As chloride contributes to TDS test. Can affect taste and corrosivity. |
| Selenium (Se) | 0.05 | mg/L | Guideline value. An essential element, but at high levels can be toxic. |
| Sodium (Na) | 200 | mg/l | Contributes to salinity and TDS. Can affect taste and corrosivity. Target veal 20mg/l. |
| Sulphate (SO4) | 1,000 | mg/L | At >500mg/L the form of S is important. Sulphate interacts with copper metabolism in most animals. High sulphate water consumption often requires changes to the mineral mix that one needs to give to the animals. This has two components, increasing the copper, and decreasing some other minerals.>750mg/L has caused diarrhea in pigs. |
| 500 | mg/L | Calves and humans. Target for veal calves 3mg/L. | |
| 30-50 | mg/L | poultry | |
| Sulphide (H2S) | <1.0 | mg/L | This is not a toxicity guideline, but a taste and smell advisory. High levels may increase problems with anemia and those related to Cu, Se and Vit E nutrition. Levels above 25 mg/L are required to cause decreased growth in chickens. |
| Zinc (Zn) | 5-25 | mg/L | Guideline value. This is an essential element for livestock, but at high levels it can exert toxicity. The lowest recorded effect was at 20 mg/L where the rumen microbes in cattle were affected (decreased digestion of cellulose) |
Information from CCREM 1987, Australian Water Quality Criteria 1974, NAS 1974, CAST 1974, BCMOELP 1994, NRC 1974, NRC 1998, NRC 2001, Manitoba Agriculture 1992, EPA 1996, CPAQ 1999, Agriculture and Agri-food Canada (2000).
Water quality standard listings of concentrations (as above) would be useful expressed as ‘total maximum daily load’. These present a dose risk more accurately and would enable interpreters to consider a specific element acquired from all sources, e.g. feed and water.
For example: When forages, especially grasses, are stressed by drought, they can accumulate nitrates. A high level of nitrogen fertilization also is a factor in many cases of nitrate poisoning.
Serve the milk solution at a temperature of 40°C and feed according to feed schedule below:
| Calf Age | Litres of solution (per feeding) |
# feedings (per day) |
| Day 1–Colostrum | 4 litres within 2 hrs of birth | 2 |
| Day 2 | 2.0 | 2 |
| Week 2 | 2.0 | 2 |
| Week 3 | 2.5 | 2 |
| Week 4 – 6 | 3.0 | 2 |
| Week 7 | 3.0 | 1 |
| Week 8 | 2.0 | 1 |
Choosing a Milk feeding program: Pasteurization Pro’s and Con’s
In the last few years, larger calf raising units and more attention being paid to rearing costs and profits, has made it interesting to look into the possibility of on farm pasteurization for waste milk.
Important criteria to consider in choosing a milk feeding program:
- Number of calves being fed
- Nutritional requirements
- Performance targets
- Consistency of availability
- Storage & preservation requirements
- Infectious disease control Economics
The number of calves fed:
It is important to have a stable supply of milk so that young calves’ diet is consistent. Often, the quantity of waste milk available is sufficient for units operations.
Nutritional requirements of the young calf and performance targets
Whole milk and milk replacers can be compared on an energy and protein basis to provide some indication of growth performance. Whole milk can have a variable nutrient profile and is low in vitamins and some minerals. Pasteurized milk is subjected to high temperatures, therefore care and attention must be taken to avoid denaturing of proteins and vitamin loss etc.
Milk sources
Transition milk: availability, variability, storage and preservation can be a problem, particularly for large numbers of calves. Warm or hot weather can result in putrefactive fermentation.
Non saleable or discard milk: Milk from cows after antibiotic treatment for mastitis or other infectious diseases which cannot be sold. There are concerns of development of antibiotic resistance for intestinal bacteria in calves and antibiotic residues may also result in unsaleable calves after the withdrawal period.
Milk replacer: Quality products are consistent and formulated to high standards to ensure that the young calf is provided with the best possible nutrition and start in life.
Infectious disease control
It is easier and more cost effective to try and prevent disease situations than to cure them once they have become established. Decreasing exposure to disease is a primary method of decreasing disease.
Calves are the most vulnerable animals on the farm to infection and disease. Some of these disease conditions can be transmitted to calves through feeding practices.
There is a large ‘risk’ factor associated with feeding waste milk for transmission of infectious diseases to calves, (Godden 2004). Pathogens that may be transmitted in colostrum and milk include: Mycobacterium avium subsp. Paratuberculosis (Mptb) (the agent causing Johne’s disease); Salmonella spp.; Mycoplasma spp.; Listeria monocytogenes; Campylobacter spp.; Mycobacterium bovis; E.coli. (most common identified pathogen). The prevalence of Mptb in Ontario dairy cattle has been estimated to be 6.1% (McNab et al., 1991). At the herd level, 16.7% of herds had at least two Mptb-positive cows (VanLeeuwen et al., 2001).
On-farm commercial pasteurizers are offering a method of reducing but not eliminating this risk of disease transmission.
Economics
Installation and daily operation costs need to be considered when evaluating on farm waste milk pasteurization. For example electricity, drainage, chemicals, labour, maintenance and repairs, depreciation, interest payments etc. Some industry data suggests operation costs from $0.067 to $0.46 per calf per day to operate a pasteurizer. (University Wisconsin, 2002)
Producers would be advised to assess the equipment, space, time and handling requirements alongside economic and nutritional efficiency compared with alternatives like milk replacer. This must be combined with the risk factors of transmission of infectious diseases to calves.
Facts to consider
- It is recommended that milk is <1,000,000 CFU/ml to achieve adequate pasteurization efficacy. This requires chilling to prevent growth and fermentation of pre-pasteurized milk. (Unchilled waste milk may reach 1,000,000,000 CFU/ml in summer, (Reynolds 2002); on farm waste milk tested 14,960,000CFU/ml (S.McGuirk 2003).
- Pasteurization is a process of heating milk to a specific temperature for a specified amount of time to reduce the bacteria to negligible levels. For example Batch process: 66°C for 30mins or continuous flow (HTST): 72oC for 15 secs.
- Heating destroys or reduces the presence of viable bacteria. Some bacteria will survive the process. These are either heat-tolerant bacteria or a result of a very high concentration of bacteria in raw milk.
- The goal for post pasteurized milk is <20,000 CFU/ml. (Grade A milk for human consumption) to <10,000 CFU/ml total bacteria.
- Bacterial numbers double every 20 minutes. In ideal conditions, after one hour this could be > 500,000 CFU/ml. This is a very high load for the young calf gut to handle.
- The efficacy of pasteurization in destroying Mptb (the agent causing Johne’s disease), remains controversial between the different pasteurization systems (Batch or HTST). For E.g. UofG, 2003, result indicates that Mptb may survive HTST pasteurization. J. Dairy Science 2001; 84(2):524-527 “Results suggest that batch pasteurization of waste milk contaminated with M. paratuberculosis was effective at generating a clean product to feed to young calves.” USDA tests conducted 1997 showed that “treatment of raw milk at 72° C (162° F) for 15 seconds effectively killed all M. paratuberculosis.” (J.R. Stabel, et al). Turbulent flow is suggested to be essential for complete killing of Mptb contamination.
Problems with pasteurization
Extreme care and attention is required when handling milk. Maintenance and sanitation of the pasteurizer are ongoing and essential for maintaining high quality end product. Agitation is suggested to ensure even heating and higher kill %. This can be very expensive to install and maintain.
Pasteurizing colostrum in standard pasteurizers can be difficult due to thickening (denatured proteins coagulate) and poor flow (clumps plug equipment). Immunogloblin (IgG) levels in pasteurized colostrum can be significantly reduced (e.g. 24-58% reduction!). A high colostrum Ig concentration is one of the critical factors to ensure that the calf receives adequate ‘passive transfer’. This helps protect the young calf from infectious diseases until its on immune system becomes fully functional. Proper management of colostrum (sanitation, cooling, storage, thawing etc) is better to ensure low bacterial load and high quality clean colostrum.
Grober provides high quality milk replacers for successful and healthy calf rearing.
Milk Replacer quality comes from several areas; the raw materials used, the method of manufacture and the soundness of the feeding nutrition program. All Grober milk replacers are manufactured with the same important high quality guidelines. Grober quality milk replacers ensure that the products are free of pathogens and contain a low bacterial load. Typical levels: <25,000CFU in milk replacer, equivalent to <5000 CFU/ml in milk solution using low bacterial load water.
Calf-Energy Balance and Immune Competence
Calves reared for veal are usually transported from the dairy farm to the rearing unit during the first 2 weeks of life. The vigour of calves after arrival at the rearing unit is dependent on:
- Their vitality before leaving the dairy farm (colostrum quality and quantity, timing and hygiene)
- Duration and nature of the transfer (climatic stresses, deprivation of milk and water, handling, noise)
- Changes in environmental conditions (mixing calves, high infection risk, change in housing system, climate, feeding level and composition etc.)
Calves are especially vulnerable to infections and diseases. All the above factors may reduce the calf’s ability to fight new disease challenges.
The period of 2 to 3 weeks after arrival at the rearing unit is considered the most critical phase in veal production. The priority during this period is not only to optimize growth but more importantly to control and minimize the occurrence of health disorders. (J.Schrama et al, J.Dairy Sci.1992)
After arrival at the veal unit, the appetite of these calves may be low. The importance of feeding a high energy, quality milk replacer is paramount in maintaining the calf’s thermoneutrality and optimizing growth and the immune system. These young calves tend not to be in a steady state of energy metabolism. If low levels of feed are offered and the calf’s energy requirement for maintenance is not met, then the calf will be partially dependent upon the mobilization of body energy reserves to meet energy requirements. This will reflect in low or negative growth rates. (Postema 1985)
Heat production is an important criteria in calf survival at this young age. Heat production decreases with time during this 2-week period and is affected by feeding level and ambient temperature. i.e. At low feeding levels, animals are less cold tolerant. (Schrama, 1993)
Nutrition
Restricted feeding can impair the immune system. (Kelly, 1980)
Calves fed a higher amount of milk replacer (600g vs 400g/d) and ad-libitum access to calf starter had the greatest gains and the least mortality. (Williams et al, 1981)
Low level of nutrition results in impaired immune response in young calves. Griebel et al, 1987; Pollock et al. 1993,1994.
Stress can affect the apparent digestibility of energy and thus utilization of feed ME. (Schrama, 1993).
If feed is restricted, digested dietary protein is used as an energy source. (Mcdonald et al, 1981) This will negatively affect protein gains and will increase the production of urea and energy loss via urine. This is not an efficient use of feed supplied.
Conclusion
Energy shortage (by low feeding levels or inappropriate ration) in newly purchased calves is undesirable since it may be a predisposing factor for health disorders.
Newly purchased calves should be fed an adequate level of a high quality balanced milk replacer to overcome stress challenges and provide for optimum growth.
Andre Roy MSc.
Sally Charlton BSc. (Hons)
April 2003
Calf Post Weaning Environment
Grouping
After weaning, calves should be housed in equal sized / aged groups, ideally one week after milk feeding has ceased. This avoids two major changes in routine at one time. Group calves according to size.
Weaning from a machine feeding system is normally reached earlier (as early as week 5) and should still be tied to starter intake (min 900g for 3 consecutive days).
Environment
The calf’s environment is very important in ensuring its health. Calf housing should provide a clean environment that promotes healthy calves, minimizes disease risk and mortality and hence encourages high growth rates. One of the most common diseases caused by its environment is pneumonia. It can be prevented by:
- A warm dry bed
- Adequate pen dimensions
- Easy access to feed and water
- Keeping stocking density low
- Providing adequate ventilation with minimum draft
- Relative humidity should be kept low and air movements maintained even in cold weather
- Not mixing calves from different sources
Calf accommodation and pens should be thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and de-stocked on a regular basis.
The climatic environment of the calf can have a major influence on its nutritional requirements.
Extremes in both heat and cold will impact the calves’ efforts to maintain a constant level of body heat and continue to be productive. Calves have a thermo-neutral zone considered to be 10°C to 26°C. Environmental temperatures outside that range result in higher caloric demands simply for maintenance. The lower critical temperature of a calf declines with age (see table below).
| Age calf (day) | Lower critical temperature °C |
| 1 | 13.4 |
| 10 | 10.8 |
| 20 | 8.4 |
| 30 | 6.4 |
This energy requirement detracts from growth and may have a negative effect on efficiency and even health. Research, under controlled conditions with adequate bedding and dry humidity, indicate that calves housed at -4°C require about 30% more calories for maintenance. This number will increase as temperatures reduce, humidity rises and calves are subject to wet bedding etc.
Heat Stress: above 26°C increases cortisol and decreases colostrum absorption. High temperatures tend to reduce feed intake.
Andre Roy MSc.
Sally Charlton BSc. (Hons)
April 2003
Feeding Tips
a) One package of CALF’S CHOICE TOTAL® can be mixed into volumes of hot water ranging from 500-750 mls. Lower volumes are recommended for lower birth weight calves.
b) After mixing CALF’S CHOICE TOTAL® it is common to see some fat globules floating on the surface of the solution. It is not necessary for them to dissolve before feeding the calf (Photo A).
c) By the time the solution has been transferred to the nipple bottle, the temperature will have dropped by 10° C or more, and will be a safe and comfortable temperature for the calf to drink.
d) If colostrum is refrigerated, it should be re-heated by placing the bottle into a pail of hot (50-55° C) water before feeding. Do not heat in a microwave oven.
e) If using a nipple bottle , the nipple opening can be cut larger to allow for easier feeding.
f) Around the time of the first feeding, it is helpful to rub the calf’s sides, back, and neck with a towel (Photo B). This stimulates the calf’s circulatory system and aids in the absorption of immunoglobulins and important nutrients into the calf’s blood.
g) During cold weather, the calf’s extremities (ears, legs, feet) should also be dried off by rubbing so that they do not freeze. It is best to feed calves warm colostrum (35-45° C) to help them maintain their body temperature. This is particularly important in calves that are born exposed during cold weather.

Mixing Directions
1. CALF”S CHOICE TOTAL® is a concentrated bovine colostrum powder that is rich in immunoglobulins and fat, an important early source of energy for newborn calves. Due to the high fat content, CALF”S CHOICE TOTAL® has special mixing instructions.
2. Recommended Mixing Utensils
a) Mixing Container – Pail or other wide mouth container, such as a bowl.
b) Mixing Device – Wisk or electric mixer.
c) Hot Water – 50 to 55° C. This is about as hot as the hand can tolerate (the thermometer in the photo below is for illustration only).
3. Recommended Mixing Directions
a) Add 4 cups ( one litre ) hot water to pail.
b) Add CALF’S CHOICE TOTAL® powder to the hot water. Hot water is essential to dissolve the fat.
c) Mix vigorously until the powder dissolves ~ 1 minute.
4. Feeding
Pour the colostrum solution into a nipple bottle, nipple pail, or esophageal feeder
5. Feeding Recommendations
a) Feed calf as soon after birth as possible, preferably within 1 to 2 hours.
b) Offer the calf a complete dose of CALF’S CHOICE TOTAL® at the first feeding. If the calf does not accept the complete dose, feed the remainder in a second feeding as soon as possible, and not later than 6 hours.
c) After mixing, CALF’S CHOICE TOTAL® can be stored refrigerated (4° C) for up to 48 hours. If not used within 48 hours, freeze or discard it.

