Page 8 - AWA Vol.42-No.1 issue

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Early Nutrition – Easy Breather, the Game Changer for Calf
Health, Growth and Winter Resilience

Feeding youngstock is one of the
most scrutinised and costly areas of
livestock management, and rightly
so. The first eight weeks of a calf’s life
shape everything that follows: growth
potential, immunity, resilience to dis-
ease and long-term productivity.
Nutrition and housing remain the
two biggest influences on calf perfor-
mance, and both must work hand-in-
hand. Colostrum, clean water, a high-
ly digestible starter feed, comfortable
dry beds and good ventilation are
essential. But as winter draws in and
respiratory challenges loom, the spot-
light is turning to an area of calf rear-
ing that’s still undervalued on many
farms: early dry matter intake (DMI).
Rumen Development Starts on Day
One, Not at Weaning Calves that eat early, thrive early. and ensuring healthy rumen devel-
The target is >1kg of DMI per day for opment. Freshness is equally critical
A calf may be born a monogas- three consecutive days before wean- – offer small amounts often, replace
tric, but if we treat it like one for too ing, a goal that can be met as early as frequently, and keep feed protected
long, we limit its future. Early access five to six weeks when rumen devel-
to starter feed and water is critical. opment is prioritised from birth. from moisture.
Calves introduced to a grain-based Small changes in management can
pellet within the first three days can The Right Feed, Offered the Right yield significant increases in intake:
begin ruminating in as little as five Way • Little-and-often feeding
days. By week three, rumen microbes Not all starter feeds are created • Palatable diet formulation
are established enough to convert equal. Palatability matters, as does
feed into usable energy, the founda- the type of carbohydrate. Slowly fer- • Access to clean water 24/7
tion of a robust rumen and a strong mentable starches with high digest- • Free-access chopped straw (2.5–3
immune system. ible fibre are key to avoiding acidosis cm)
6 Vol. 42 No. 1