MoleValley Calf - Mole Valley Farmers

4
MOLE VALLEY FARMERS | CALF MANAGEMENT GUIDE 2012
Calf nutrition
continued from page 3
The ash content of a milk replacer contributes
nothing to the energy supply, so the ideal ash
content is similar to that found in cows’ milk at
approximately 6%.
Supplying proteins
Whole milk is 26% to 27% protein, while milk
replacers typically contain 20% to 27% protein.
Calves have a requirement for protein, a minimum
of 20% in the diet, but they also require specifi c
Table 1: Daily energy intake and the effect
of feeding a low vs high oil milk replacer, or
feeding different volumes or concentrations
Energy
supplied/calf
per day (MJ)
16% oil
22% protein
20% oil
22% protein
4 litres - 12.5% 7.5 7.8
4 litres - 15% 11.2 11.7
5 litres - 12.5% 11.7 12.2
amino acids - the building blocks of protein. The
total quantity and balance of amino acids, not crude
protein %, are the keys to muscle development and
calf growth, but only the protein % is declared on
the product label so it is impossible to judge likely
animal performance from reading the label alone.
Overall - should I feed my calf whole
milk or milk replacer?
Whole milk can provide a high level of energy and
protein (amino acids), to the calf but it can also:
• transmit bacteria which infect the calf,
including Johne’s, Salmonella, E.Coli
• vary in nature which can lead to calf
performance / health issues
• ‘cost’ more than milk replacer. Milk is currently
worth on average 29p/l if sold, compared with
buying a milk replacer, which dependent on the
quality purchased and mixing rates used can cost
between 15p to 23p/l
• result in delayed intake of solid feed, which can
delay the age of successful weaning or result in
post-weaning growth checks
High quality calf milk replacers have to be
purchased, but can provide a number of benefi ts
including:
• biosecurity – made using pasteurised milk
• cheaper to feed per litre than whole milk
• convenient and easy to use, and always available
• lower fat, higher lactose – encouraging solid
feed intake before and after weaning
• formulated to provide a consistent supply of
energy, protein, vitamins and trace elements
that the calf requires
Five ‘must haves’ when
purchasing a milk replacer
• Minimum of 20% protein declared
• Maximum of 9% ash declared
• Minimum 0.8% calcium
• A trusted supplier
• Previous calf performance and calf
bloom give the best guarantee for the
milk replacer’s quality
why feed
calf milk
replacer?
Advantages of
feeding calf
milk replacer
More economic
Continuity of
nutrition
Higher minerals
and vitamins
Better
performance
Reduced disease
risk
Accurate mixing
Can be fed once
a day
Quicker weaning
Economics of
feeding calf
milk replacer
Milk price
= 27.5ppl
Powder price
= 17.5ppl
Cost difference =
10ppl
Milk intake per calf
= 168 litres
Cost difference
per calf
= £16.80