With the current milk quota situation, many dairy farmers will be considering feeding whole milk to calves to try to reduce milk supply with the possibility of adding some value to their calves.
Traditional calf-rearing practices would see a calf fed a restricted diet of milk to keep rearing costs low. Where low-value milk is available, ad-lib feeding can be carried out. Bringing calves up to ad-lib milk intake should be done over the course of two to three weeks to avoid dietary upsets. As calves get stronger, their intake will increase to approximately 12 litres/head at about six weeks of age. Ad-lib feeding can easily be carried out from a teat which is fed from a larger container. It is important that the milk be agitated regularly to keep it uniform.
Acidification of whole milk
Whole milk has a higher nutritional value and energy content than milk replacers, so slightly higher liveweight gains can be achieved when compared with calves fed with milk replacer.
It is recommended that if whole milk is intended for feeding to calves, it should undergo an acidification process. The aim of whole milk acidification is to reduce the pH of the milk from 6.5 to 5.9. This is achieved by dissolving organic acids in cold water and mixing this solution with the whole milk at a ratio of 1:20. Some of the benefits of using milk acidifiers are:
It slows down the multiplication of E coli bacteria in the digestive tract which causes scour.It enhances digestion.It encourages a more rapid clotting of milk, which in turn improves nutrient utilisation.It prolongs the lifespan of the milk.Weaning calves off ad-lib milk
Studies have consistently shown that calves fed on ad-lib whole milk and milk replacer diets have a lower concentrate intake. The key target will be to avoid a sudden drop in liveweight gain. Because their intake of concentrates is low due to the high level of milk intake, it is difficult to get the required level of liveweight gain on calves after weaning.
Research has shown that calves need to be consuming 1-1.5kg concentrates per day at weaning in order to avoid a reduction in liveweight gain.
For that reason, calves’ milk intake should be reduced back gradually for about 14 days prior to the weaning date. Where calves have ad-lib access to milk, this can be done by gradually reducing the period that the calf has access to the feeder. Ensure access to fresh water.
Read more
Read the full Calf Focus supplement
With the current milk quota situation, many dairy farmers will be considering feeding whole milk to calves to try to reduce milk supply with the possibility of adding some value to their calves.
Traditional calf-rearing practices would see a calf fed a restricted diet of milk to keep rearing costs low. Where low-value milk is available, ad-lib feeding can be carried out. Bringing calves up to ad-lib milk intake should be done over the course of two to three weeks to avoid dietary upsets. As calves get stronger, their intake will increase to approximately 12 litres/head at about six weeks of age. Ad-lib feeding can easily be carried out from a teat which is fed from a larger container. It is important that the milk be agitated regularly to keep it uniform.
Acidification of whole milk
Whole milk has a higher nutritional value and energy content than milk replacers, so slightly higher liveweight gains can be achieved when compared with calves fed with milk replacer.
It is recommended that if whole milk is intended for feeding to calves, it should undergo an acidification process. The aim of whole milk acidification is to reduce the pH of the milk from 6.5 to 5.9. This is achieved by dissolving organic acids in cold water and mixing this solution with the whole milk at a ratio of 1:20. Some of the benefits of using milk acidifiers are:
It slows down the multiplication of E coli bacteria in the digestive tract which causes scour.It enhances digestion.It encourages a more rapid clotting of milk, which in turn improves nutrient utilisation.It prolongs the lifespan of the milk.Weaning calves off ad-lib milk
Studies have consistently shown that calves fed on ad-lib whole milk and milk replacer diets have a lower concentrate intake. The key target will be to avoid a sudden drop in liveweight gain. Because their intake of concentrates is low due to the high level of milk intake, it is difficult to get the required level of liveweight gain on calves after weaning.
Research has shown that calves need to be consuming 1-1.5kg concentrates per day at weaning in order to avoid a reduction in liveweight gain.
For that reason, calves’ milk intake should be reduced back gradually for about 14 days prior to the weaning date. Where calves have ad-lib access to milk, this can be done by gradually reducing the period that the calf has access to the feeder. Ensure access to fresh water.
Read more
Read the full Calf Focus supplement
This is a subscriber-only article
SHARING OPTIONS: