MoleValley Calf - Mole Valley Farmers

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MOLE VALLEY FARMERS | CALF MANAGEMENT GUIDE 2012
Introduction
Adam May, Agricultural Commercial Manager
07818 017116
The fi rst few months in a calves’ life will
determine whether it will deliver its full
genetic potential, or fall some way short, due
to poor feed or disease. Over recent years, research has shown
how much infl uence a good diet and health plan can have on
the lifetime performance of both dairy and beef cattle.
Every aspect in the calf rearing process needs to be carefully planned
and implemented, from ensuring it gets a good feed of colostrum at
birth, through the milk feed period, to the transition to solid feed, not to
mention the environment and health planning needed if the best results
are to be achieved.
In this supplement we have brought together a comprehensive array of
articles, submitted by some of the best experts in the fi eld, as well as
utilising the expertise we have within the company.
We are grateful to Dr Jessica Cooke, Young Animal Technical Specialist and
Will Sinclair, Calf Specialist, from Volac International, Tim Porter MRCVS
from Westpoint Vets and our own Patrick Traill for the support they have
given us in the preparation of this publication.
We also have articles of housing, health planning, feeding guides, and
many others, which are important to the wellbeing of the young calf.
The damage which can be done to the young calf’s internal organs is
often underestimated and can be irreparable, which results in an underperforming
adult animal.
We hope you fi nd the contents interesting and informative. If you need any
further advice or information, please contact me.
Colostrum management tips
Colostrum of the right quality and quantity, given to the calf at the right
time is the cornerstone of success for any calf rearing enterprise. It
supplies both essential nutrients and antibodies.
A new-born calf has no protective
antibodies to resist disease challenges
and these can only be absorbed via
colostrum. Poor health, low growth rates
and high mortality are most often seen
in calves that have received inadequate
colostrum. The following information
states the 4 golden rules (4 Q’s) when
feeding colostrum:
1. Quality
Feed calves with good quality colostrum,
ideally from mature cows. Colostrum
quality varies widely from cow to
cow. Colostrum from cows in their
fi rst lactation usually contains fewer
antibodies to help protect against
diseases as these animals have not
yet been exposed to a wide range of
pathogens.
Good quality colostrum may be frozen for
future use, when suitable colostrum is
not available from the dam. Alternatively,
if considering the use of a commercial
alternative (for example Volac
Volostrum), ensure that the product has
been independently tested and is proven
to be successful.
It is diffi cult to visually detect if
colostrum contains suffi cient antibodies.
It is therefore recommended that
colostrum quality is tested using
a colostrometer, which is a simple
apparatus that can be used on farm to
give an indication of the quality.
2. Quantity
Feed a minimum of 3 litres (6 pints) in
the fi rst six hours, split into two feeds if
necessary. A further 3 litres should be fed
within 12 hours. A calf receiving at least
3 litres of good quality colostrum in the
fi rst six hours of life will have received
suffi cient antibodies. Remember, a calf
requires approximately 20 minutes of
continuous suckling to consume 3 litres of
milk from the cow.
MVF Farmer Shareholder Scheme
If you see this symbol, it means the
product qualifes for MVF Farmer
Shareholder benefits.
To find out more about an MVF
Farmer Shareholder account call
our Membership Team on
01769 573431.
3. Quickly
Feed colostrum as soon as possible
after birth and at latest within the
fi rst six hours. At birth, the calf gut
is permeable, which means that it can
absorb the large antibody molecules
directly into its bloodstream. Over the
fi rst 24 hours the gut rapidly ‘closes’
and these molecules can no longer
be absorbed. For good immunity, low
mortality and future health, it is essential
that the calf absorbs suffi cient antibodies
as soon as possible after birth before the
gut ‘closes’.
Feeding colostrum for at least the fi rst
three days of life has been shown to have
other benefi ts as it encourages rapid gut
development and lays a solid foundation
for fast effi cient healthy growth.
4. Quietly
Research has proven that calves that are
stressed when receiving colostrum will
not absorb the protective antibodies as
effi ciently as those that are calm. This
means that a stressed calf would require
more colostrum in order to achieve the
same level of immunity as a calf which
was not stressed.