The health and productivity of young calves can be affected by a wide range of metabolic and pathogenic conditions. Among the maladies that can profoundly affect calves’ health is their intake and balance of sodium. ( Maureen Hanson )
We might not want to admit it, but winter will be here before we know it. And for most of the country, this means plunging temperatures, bringing cold stress and increased maintenance needs for young calves.
Amino acids are the building blocks that make up protein, and the actual nutrients that calves require. However, dairy calf nutrition is behind the curve with respect to embracing precise diet formulation by balancing for these key nutrients.
The most successful calf programs begin with this end objective in mind: healthy, productive animals ready to enter the milking string in a timely fashion.
Raising a calf to become a high-producing cow is critical to a herd’s future. In the last decade, Univeristies and Industries have researched the connection between calf nutrition and lactation performance. This will help dairy producers in their quest to develop more productive animals.
Is your calf starter routine designed to help calves reach their full potential? Are you setting calves up to become high producing cows? Or is there room for improvement?
