Should we be feeding our jersey cattle and smaller stature calves differently to holsteins and larger breeds?
An increasing number of studies are suggesting we should. As crossbreeding within the dairy industry is becoming more popular, the number of smaller stature calves is increasing. Crossbreeding has proven to maximise longevity, cow health and economic efficiency throughout UK dairy herds and, as a result, it is becoming more common for the Jersey cow to be integrated into the herd. The Jersey breed is known to be a robust commercial dairy cow, that brings a multitude of benefits into the herd, including; higher milk components, longevity, increased feed conversion efficiency and adaptability to a range of farm management systems. The Jersey cow has quickly become the worlds’ favourite dairy breed after the Holstein: they are famed for their creamy milk, strong hooves, good fertility and efficiency. There is a long list of reasons supporting the popularity of the Jersey cow but their unique breed characteristics must be taken into account when caring for and managing jersey and smaller stature crossbred calves.
The major differences between Jersey calves and larger framed breeds are:
- Surface area to body weight ratio
- Small birth weights and minimal fat reserves
- Maintenance requirements and milk composition
Surface Area to Body Weight Ratio
Due to their small frame and body weight at birth the Jersey cow has a high surface area to body weight ratio (SA:BW), this exposes them to additional stress from cold weather compared to larger breeds. The thermoneutral zone for a larger breed new born calf is between 10°c and 25°c, however, for Jersey calves the lower end of the thermoneutral zone is 15°c. Body heat will deplete faster in Jersey calves because of their larger surface area, meaning Jerseys are more at risk of cold stress and dehydration. The Jersey cow requires more energy per unit of body weight just for maintenance due to their increased surface area (Bascol, 2002), this is around 20% greater than larger breeds for pre weaning maintenance energy. This figure does not include extra energy needed for growth, so this must be taken into account when feeding; along with the additional impact of cold weather.
Birthweight and Fat Reserves
Averaging between 25kg and 30kg (Bascol, 2002), new-born Jersey calves are often around 15kg lighter than Holsteins. Jersey calves are born with minimal body fat reserves, at only 3%, this is quickly utilised by the calf to generate body heat after birth. As many spring calving herds are using Jersey and crossbreeds, the impact of cold stress must be taken into account. Often calving when the temperature is below 10°c which, as previously discussed, is below the thermal neutral zone for new-born Jersey calves. Visible shivering has been observed at 9°c in Jersey calves, even when the calf is dry, well fed, and there is no draught. Calves experiencing cold stress will mobilise body fat if energy is limiting in the diet and, as new-born calves only have around 3% body fat it is, therefore, crucial to ensure the energy supplied from the diet.
When feeding smaller stature calves it is important to take into account all of these unique breed characteristics and adjust according to what works on your farm. Feeding a high quality milk replacer with a fat content of 25% will help achieve top growth rates. Only energy that is proved in excess of the calf’s maintenance requirements can be used for growth (Bascol, 2002). Due to the low birth weights and minimal body fat reserves, it is important to have good management and colostrum protocols. During cold weather extra measures such as using calf jackets and ensuring calves can nest in straw will be beneficial in getting the best results from your calves.
For nutrition advice for your smaller stature calves, speak to your Calf & Youngstock Specialist or Wynnstay Representative.
