Providing baby beef calves with the same colostrum and transition milk feeding as replacement heifers can have a positive effect on both the health and development of those calves and less risk of disease for the other animals on the farm as well.

From July onwards, we will be getting into pre-calving season and now is the time to start preparing. We asked one of our dairy farmers who runs an autumn block calving herd consisting of 120 Holstein-Friesians (80/120 cows due September), how they prepare for calving [...]

Calf mortality rate from birth to weaning has fallen to just 1.5% at a Dorset dairy farm since a new milk replacer made from low heat skim and buttermilk was introduced.

There is good reason why farmers are keen to improve calf rearing, to ensure heifers produce their first calf at 24 months and remain in the milking herd for as long as possible. In the Netherlands a recent survey found that most farmers use age as the main determinant for serving maiden heifers, targeting 25-26 months as age at first calving.

A new calf feeding regime introduced on a Lancashire dairy farm has eliminated incidence of pneumonia in heifer replacements.John and Graham Robson produce milk from 220 cows on a robot milking system at Roe Farm, Preston.Newborn calves receive four litres of colostrum as soon as possible after birth and are initially reared in hutches.They are on a twice-a-day feeding system and gradually transition from colostrum to Transformula on the fourth bucket feed.

As we learn more about nutrition and health, the value of natural flora, the prebiotic components and the enzymes in colostrum and milk are key to calf health and development. Low-heat fresh buttermilk is a key link between colostrum and milk as it contains many of the key health components of both and helps to protect the calf’s gut and improve digestion.

Dr Amanda Dunn of Bonanza Calf Nutrition discussing the benefits of transition milk and gradual weaning.

This article discusses how you should handle colostrum and transition milk to avoid the risk of bacteria growth and spreading infection.

Transition milk is proven to have benefits for calf heath, growth and development. This article outlines how to best implement transition milk feeding on your farm depending on your livestock type and feeding methods.

This article examines the crucial role of transition milk in supporting the gastro-intestional tract of the young calf. Transition milk is proven to have benefits for calf heath, growth and development. Unfortunately the practise of feeding transition milk has declined as modern farming techniques have made it more difficult to feed without spreading disease.