In the first months of life, it is well understood that calves can be very efficient at converting feed to gain, but are equally very susceptible to digestive upsets that can reduce performance and survivability.
Whole milk is still fed to calves routinely on dairy farms in some capacity or another. But what constitutes “whole milk”?
Aroma and taste play vital roles in calf nutrition, increasing palatability linked with increased feed intake.
Our trusted Start'n'Wean formulation now includes a unique Apple Molplus flavour and aroma. Molplus is an appetite enhancer with a rich aroma and caramel taste. Based on the same sensory profile as molasses. Primarily, the way a feed smells and tastes is critical in determining feed palatability. Calves, like all animals, possess highly developed senses of smell and taste, which guide their feeding behaviour increasing overall feed intake.
In recent years, we have seen automatic calf machine becoming more popular on farm, and with recent government grants including machines, popularity has soared. Automatic calf feeders can be a great tool on farm, allowing labour time spent feeding the calves monitoring the calves health and performance.
“In June 2023 we started a complete overhaul of calf management at Bengrove Farm, in an attempt to combat calf disease and mortality rates. We did this while feeding Wynngold™ Bloom and were successful in our initial goals.
In a further push for increased performance, we found that our growth rates would not exceed 0.55 kg/day DLWG. In August, the decision was made - with the help of the Wynnstay Youngstock Team - to switch to Wynngold™ Supernova milk replacer. The increase in vigour and reduction in nutritional scour was immediate with a gradual and consistent increase in growth rates.
We are very pleased with the overall results from feeding Supernova and are incredibly happy to end the year with a DLWG of 0.82 kg/day.”
"We cannot recommend OsmoFit enough, it is extremely palatable and has a pleasant aroma. It is a cost-effective, preventative method and minimises the costs associated with scour outbreaks and sick calves.”
Wynnstay customer, Andrew Wallis, from Dorset, discusses his experience following a switch to Wynnstay's Elixir Calf Milk formula.
With spring calving fast approaching, kickstarting one of the busiest, most demanding time of year, being properly prepared can relieve some of the stress for farmer, cow and calf.
Rearing heifers are a sizeable investment to a dairy enterprise, with rearing costs not being recouped until the cow reaches their second lactation. Studies carried out by AHDB show that on average 17% of milking heifers exit the herd before their second lactation (AHDB, 2023).
Calf housing is a critical aspect of any dairy or livestock operation, and the choice of housing design can have a profound impact on the health and well-being of your calves. To optimise calf performance and minimise the incidence and spread of disease, there are key requirements for calf housing that must be considered.
