Laura Monk

If we dried whole milk to a powder the protein level would sit at an average of around 24% and the fat level 30%. At 23% protein and 27% oil our new Elixir+ is as close as it gets!

If you have encountered crypto in your calves, firstly, you are not alone, 40% of all scour cases are diagnosed as crypto so it is a common and big problem. It is not easily eradicated but there are steps we can take to reduce and hopefully remove the problem. 

We are all aware of the importance of ewe colostrum as the first feed and antibodies has always been the ‘buzz’ word, however, successful colostrum feeding is a considerably bigger picture.

As cold temperatures remain low, take a read at how Pneumonia impacts on the respiratory system of the calf and what can be done to prevent it.

As temperatures turn colder our calves will need additional energy. This energy supports normal body functions as well as maintaining body temperature. Any energy that is surplus to these basic requirements is available for growth. As the live weight of the calf increases as does their daily maintenance energy requirement.

Sam Ashcroft of Rosehill Farm, Chorley buys in two to four-week-old dairy bred beef calves; usually Blue and Hereford crosses. They are fed 2.5-3L of Wynngold SuperNova mixed at 150g/L either end of the day through Milkbar 3-teat compartment feeders.

Lambs should receive colostrum as soon after birth as possible – ultimately within the first 6 hours. Lambs are born with a permeable gut wall to allow for the absorption of large antibody molecules.

Choosing a calf milk replacer (CMR) can be a minefield with so many available. The CMR market is easily divisible into two groups; whey-based powders and skim-based powders providing the two main sources of dairy protein. Choosing the right powder for your system is not only vital to the productivity of pre-weaning calves but the lifetime performance and profitability of each animal.

Read about the Calf Team study tour to Bavaria, Germany and Northern Ireland. Calf & Youngstock specialist, Laura Monk discusses her take home messages.