Calf rearers across Wynnstay’s trading area now have an improved understanding of the important nutrition, health and hygiene practices so necessary for calves to hit optimum development and growth targets.
We are all aware of the detrimental effects that heat stress can have on our cows, and are often quick to run to the cow sheds and collecting yards to put measures in place to mitigate this.
WYNNGUARD is a bespoke health package concept – unique to Wynnstay. It is the ultimate additive for calf health and performance, now available in our range of milks and Start ‘n’ Wean feed, offering your calves total digestive tract protection.
Pneumonia and scours are the two main problems in calves that vet advice is asked for. Often these diseases occur in severe outbreaks where calves can be lost if not treated appropriately and quickly, but these can be prevented avoiding stress, production losses and saving you money on vet bills!
There is no doubt that cryptosporidium (Crypto) is a major calf health problem, with it being the most commonly diagnosed pathogen in preweaning calves. 40% of infectious diarrhoea is caused by Crypto. So what is it and how can we tackle it?
Losses caused by pneumonia in calves arise from: - veterinary attention, cost of treatment, reduced weight gain, increased feed requirements, increased labour. As well as longer finishing times and lower milk yields.
Feed conversion is much higher in the first weeks of life than at any other point in the growth cycle. So kilogram for kilogram the animal gets more benefit in the first two months than later in life. This is one reason why it is beneficial to set high growth targets in the first eight weeks.
Far too often calf rearers get caught up blaming “uncontrollable factors”, mainly the weather, for poor growth rates or poor health in their calves. But arguably, doing a better job of things that are within our control would produce a stronger calf able to deal with additional challenges.
Calf scour is one of the biggest health issues in youngstock causing serious financial losses. 70% of farmers have seen scour in calves under six months of age during the previous 12 months and more than 40% of producers have lost animals to the disease over the same period.
