manageruser, Author at Calf Chat

Benefits of Feeding Transition Milk for Longer

In a recent survey by Bonanza Calf Nutrition of 153 farmers, it was found that over 57% of the farmers only feed transition milk up to day five of the calf’s life, which aligns with the first 5-6 milkings after colostrum.

Scrutinising the crude fat, fibre and ash content in CMRs

Understanding and interpreting the label on a bag of calf milk replacer (CMR) is often confusing as when it comes to legal requirements, manufacturers need only declare the ingredients in descending order of inclusion. Many omit to state if the product is detailed as freshweight or as dry matter (DM). Due to rapid advances in […]

The true value of correctly processing milk proteins in a calf milk replacer

Farmers put trust in the label on a bag of calf milk replacer (CMR), believing that higher percentages of crude protein will enable their calves to grow quicker, but the ingredients listed can be misleading. Never assume that more protein is always better as the way in which milk-derived ingredients are processed has a huge […]

How to keep calves growing and thriving post-weaning

Maintaining attention to heifer calf health and performance post-weaning is vital to avoid losing gains already made and to keep them on track [...]

Feeding calf milk replacer cuts dairy farm’s GHG emissions and rearing costs

Feeding heifer replacements calf milk replacer (CMR) instead of cow’s milk is allowing a Warwickshire dairy farm to capture environmental and financial wins.

How dairy farmers can unlock the financial potential of beef calves

As market values soar, it has never been a better time to reap the financial rewards of rearing the best calves possible.

Survey demonstrates calf rearers recognise value of transition milk

Growing numbers of farmers are understanding the value of transition milk to the health and future potential of their calves. A recent survey by Bonanza Calf Nutrition found that more than three quarters of the farmers who responded – 94 out of 123 participants – fed transition milk, the highly nutritious and immune-boosting milk produced […]

How prepared are your calves for grazing grass?

A calf that underperforms during its first grazing season is likely to fall short on key performance indicators. What can farmers do [...]

Is your calf housing fit for purpose?

Calf housing can be a new build, an older shed or an adapted building. While designs may differ in structure, the fundamentals should remain the same to support calf health and development. Rearers must provide the right environment from day one. Without it, calves will struggle to thrive. Floor space Floor space is often overlooked […]

Factors affecting IgG absorption in the baby calf aside from colostrum

Excellent colostrum management is key when it comes to providing the baby calf with its first source of immunity. But what else can impact the immune status of baby calves? A study conducted by Jones et al. (2004) found the apparent efficiency of IgG absorption ranged from less than 10% to greater than 25% in […]