Feeding heifer calves for success

Healthy heifer calves are extremely important to the longevity and quality of the milking herd. Replacement heifers are key to improving and growing your dairy herd, so it’s essential to take the correct approach right from the start to ensure that they are well fed and well looked after.

Here we share some key ideas to assist you:

• Milk or Milk Replacer: Heifer calves should be fed milk or milk replacer during the early stage of life. This ensures they receive essential nutrients and antibodies for optimal growth and immunity. It makes no difference to the calf whether it is fed warm or cold milk. However, it should be consistently fed milk at the same temperature and not changed between warm and cold.
• Grain Mix: It is important to introduce a grain mix early. This will assist with rumen development and overall calf health. Start by offering small amounts of grain alongside milk or milk replacer and gradually increase the quantity as the calf grows. This helps the rumen adapt and develop, preparing the calf for a solid feed-based diet.
• Clean water: Access to clean, fresh water at all times, is crucial to the overall health and hydration of heifer calves. Failing to provide clean water can have severe implications on the growth, digestion and overall well-being of the animal throughout its lifetime. In addition, provide calves with protection from wind, rain and heat.
• Animal Health Practices: Proper animal health practices must be implemented to prevent diseases and maintain calf health. This includes regular vaccinations, deworming and appropriate veterinary care if problems arise, as required. Always try and keep calves away from faeces and reduce their exposure to pathogens.
• Choice of feed: Selecting the correct feed is another essential factor in ensuring the growth of healthier, stronger and more productive animals.

At Reid Stockfeeds we offer a specialised range of packaged product which is readily available from our stockists, as follows:

• Baby Calf Feed
  With a balanced vitamin and mineral profile, this feed gives your baby calves the best start. It improves the immune system and encourages healthy growth. And what’s more, its smell, flavour and texture appeals to newborn calves so that it’s quicker for them to accept a diet of gran and solid food.
• Calf Rearer
  This can be fed from birth and is a great choice if you’re looking to grow healthy, high performing herd replacements. The texturized consistency of this mix aids in the development of rumen papillae and absorptive surface area. This ensures the calf is utilising and absorbing the feed and growing to its full potential. The high-quality ingredients in this mix reduce the risk of infection and scours, thereby promoting healthy growth.
• Calf Weaner
  Once heifer calves are weaned off milk, they should transition onto Calf Weaner. The high quality ingredients in this feed promote the growth and development of heifer calves and promote excellent frame and muscle growth. It also supports immunity and fertility, which are vital for their future reproductive performance.

In summary, a well-balanced diet, proper management practices, and a focus on overall health and development will contribute to the success of heifer calves as they grow into productive members of your milking herd.

Find further useful information here:

To find out more about the best animal feed or health management strategy for your herd, give us a call and have a chat to one of our nutritionist on 1300 REID FEED or enquire here >

Author

Laura Bryne-Smith
Sales & Nutrition Account Manager