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	<title>calving Archives - Agritech</title>
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	<item>
		<title>Smart Choices &#8211; Choosing a Quality Calf Milk Replacer</title>
		<link>https://agritech.ie/smart-choices-choosing-a-quality-calf-milk-replacer/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=smart-choices-choosing-a-quality-calf-milk-replacer</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Agritech]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 25 Oct 2024 13:31:32 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Agritech]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[calf milk]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Calf Milk Replacer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[calfs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[calving]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[calving season]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vitalac]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://agritech.ie/?p=6314</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<img width="2560" height="1473" src="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Calf-Rearing-Success-1-1-scaled.jpg" class="attachment-Featured size-Featured wp-post-image" alt="" style="float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Calf-Rearing-Success-1-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Calf-Rearing-Success-1-1-1280x737.jpg 1280w, https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Calf-Rearing-Success-1-1-980x564.jpg 980w, https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Calf-Rearing-Success-1-1-480x276.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) and (max-width: 1280px) 1280px, (min-width: 1281px) 2560px, 100vw" /><div class="excerpt">The management of calves in the first weeks of life has a significant impact on their lifetime production, and with [&#8230;]</div>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img width="2560" height="1473" src="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Calf-Rearing-Success-1-1-scaled.jpg" class="attachment-Featured size-Featured wp-post-image" alt="" style="float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Calf-Rearing-Success-1-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Calf-Rearing-Success-1-1-1280x737.jpg 1280w, https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Calf-Rearing-Success-1-1-980x564.jpg 980w, https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Calf-Rearing-Success-1-1-480x276.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) and (max-width: 1280px) 1280px, (min-width: 1281px) 2560px, 100vw" /><p>The management of calves in the first weeks of life has a significant impact on their lifetime production, and with replacement heifers, impact their long-term profitability. The average cost of rearing a heifer to 24 months is estimated to be circa €1,553, with a significant percentage of that cost incurred during the start of life/calf-rearing period. However, regardless of spend, the first 6 months of life is crucial as during this short time a calf will reach ~ 25% of its mature weight &#8211; highlighting the importance of ensuring optimal nutrition.</p>
<p>Research has shown that calves reach similar weight gains on milk replacer as they do while being fed on whole milk. However, this is on the basis that the milk replacer is formulated, using high quality dairy ingredients and that feeding instructions are followed. Milk replacer labelling can, at times, be confusing, with large differences in specifications and price available on the market. However, it is important to keep several factors in mind when selecting a milk replacer to fit your system and to avoid any confusion.</p>
<div id="attachment_6317" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-6317" class="wp-image-6317 size-large" src="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Blog-Images-1-1-1024x536.png" alt="calves drinking milk replacer" width="1024" height="536" /><p id="caption-attachment-6317" class="wp-caption-text">The first 6 months of life is crucial as during this short time a calf will reach ~ 25% of its mature weight &#8211; highlighting the importance of ensuring optimal nutrition.</p></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4>Protein Sources</h4>
<p>Many questions centre around the percentage of protein on the label of a bag of milk replacer, which is important, but more emphasis needs to be placed on the origin of said protein %. As we are trying to replicate the role of whole milk, as much of the protein as possible should be coming from a milk/dairy-based source, relative to vegetable/plant-based sources. In a young calf&#8217;s first few weeks of life, dairy sources are much more digestible and result in greater performance. Plant-based or vegetable protein sources are cheaper alternative sources of protein and where inclusions are high, similar levels or performance to whole milk should not be expected in early life. Increased fibre content can often be indicative of plant derivatives being used in milk replacers.</p>
<h4>Manufacturing Processes</h4>
<p>Another often less considered factor in overall digestibility of a milk replacer is the quality of the raw dairy materials used. Low heat-treated milk powders will have natural immunoglobin content available in the product and have no protein denaturisation, relative to high heat-treated skim or whey. Low heat-treated milk products are often more expensive on the market, but again lead to increased performance/digestibility.</p>
<h4>Fat Sources</h4>
<p>Fat percentage and sources of fat in milk replacer are also important, as fat is the main source of energy to the calf. Coconut and palm fat are the more common sources, with great digestibility and energy respectively for young calves.</p>
<h4>Feeding Rates</h4>
<p>The percentage of solids in whole milk is typically 12.5% (approx), hence it is also the most common feeding rate of milk replacer on farm. This is calculated by adding youe % fat, protein and lactose in the bulk tank analysis. Fed at 6L, a calf will be consuming 750g of milk replacer daily, replicating milk solids intake from typical whole milk.</p>
<p>Accelerated feed programmes are often used on farm where higher Average Daily Gain (ADG) is being targeted with replacement heifers &#8211; this would include feeding a higher concentration of milk replacer (15% milk solids) or increased volumes. Once-a-day feeding schedules are becoming increasingly popular. However, once a day feeding should only ever be considered once calves are greater than one month old.</p>
<p>Weaning should be gradual and only ever considered once a calf is consuming more than 1.5kg/hd/day in group pen scenarios. At this point, a calf is independently consuming enough dry matter from straw &amp; concentrate to allow for a stress-free weaning period.</p>
<p>For more advice on calf milk replacers, contact your local Agritech Sales Advisor <a href="https://agritech.ie/find-a-distributor/">here. </a></p>
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		<item>
		<title>Calf Rearing Q&#038;A</title>
		<link>https://agritech.ie/calf-rearing-q-a/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=calf-rearing-q-a</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Agritech]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 15 Jan 2024 09:46:48 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Calf]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[calving]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Milk Replacer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nutrition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[weaning]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://agritech.ie/?p=6001</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<img width="1280" height="720" src="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/agri-tech.jpg" class="attachment-Featured size-Featured wp-post-image" alt="Calf drinking milk replacer" style="float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/agri-tech.jpg 1280w, https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/agri-tech-980x551.jpg 980w, https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/agri-tech-480x270.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1280px, 100vw" /><div class="excerpt">The importance of the first few hours of a calf’s life and the long-term implications for the newborn animal cannot [&#8230;]</div>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img width="1280" height="720" src="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/agri-tech.jpg" class="attachment-Featured size-Featured wp-post-image" alt="Calf drinking milk replacer" style="float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/agri-tech.jpg 1280w, https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/agri-tech-980x551.jpg 980w, https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/agri-tech-480x270.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1280px, 100vw" /><p><strong>The importance of the first few hours of a calf’s life and the long-term implications for the newborn animal cannot be underestimated. Our Head of Ruminant Nutrition, Maeve Regan has put together a list of our most frequently asked calf rearing questions and answers to help you set your calf up for lifetime success.  </strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><strong>What should be considered when it comes to colostrum management? </strong></h4>
<p>The successful passive transfer of immunity from the dam to the calf via colostrum is the cornerstone of calf rearing. Research indicates that herds that achieve high levels of passive transfer (100%) result in significantly less mortality rates (4.95%) when compared to poor levels of passive transfer (70-75%), resulting in mortality rates of 9.31%.</p>
<p>High standards of hygiene are necessary when collecting, feeding, and storing colostrum, with research indicating that colostrum contaminated with dirt/bacteria results in reduced antibody absorption. A Teagasc Moorepark study involving 48 commercial farms highlighted that stomach tubes and bottles with teats had the greatest quantity of bacteria present. The pooling of colostrum on farms should also be avoided to reduce the risk of disease transfer within the herd, as well as dilution of high-quality colostrum.</p>
<h4></h4>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><strong>What are the key elements to consider when choosing a milk replacer? </strong></h4>
<p>Firstly, it must contain a high level of dairy content. Dairy-derived protein sources include whey and skim powder. Research indicates that from 0-3 weeks of age, milk-derived proteins are the only proteins a calf can digest efficiently. Plant-based ingredients/vegetable sources of protein are less digestible to the calf and therefore reduce the nutritional quality of the milk powder. Higher levels of fibre in a milk replacer, typically indicate a greater percentage of plant protein. This year where margins are tight, high vegetable-based milk replacers may appear ‘good value’, however, comparative average daily gains to whole milk shouldn’t be expected in the early weeks of life.</p>
<p>Our <a href="https://agritech.ie/calf-milk-replacer/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Vitalac Red and Blue Calf Milk Replacers</strong> </a>contain a 89-90% dairy content, offering a well-balanced level of highly digestible fat and protein, using carefully selected high quality dairy ingredients. These quality ingredients are further enhanced using advanced techniques such as Low Heat Spray Cooling Technology so that the ingredients don’t denature during the manufacturing process.</p>
<h4></h4>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><strong>Wh</strong><strong>at concentration of milk replacer should I be offering calves?</strong></h4>
<p>When it comes to milk replacer, we are trying to replicate in the calf’s diet the role of good quality whole milk (3.4% Protein + 4.3% Butterfat + 4.8% Lactose = 12.5% Milk Solids). Calf milk replacer is therefore generally fed at 12.5%. This equates to 125g of powder being dissolved into 875ml of water, to make up 1 litre of milk. When 6 litres of milk are being offered to the calf, 750g of powder per calf per day is being used. For accelerated feeding programmes, concentrations can be increased to 15%.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-6007" src="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Blog-Images-14.png" alt="Calves drinking milk replacer" width="902" height="472" /></p>
<h4></h4>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><strong>Does the environment calves are reared in affect their nutritional needs?</strong></h4>
<p>Having calves warm, comfortable, and feeding well is what we should be aiming for. Your calves will pay you back for getting this right. A cold environment will result in vital energy consumed by the calf being burnt to keep itself warm. In cold sheds, try to create a warmer micro-climate for calves, such as dropping a canopy area against the back wall, or using large square bales to protect calves from draughty areas. When looking at the calf pen, there should be an even distribution of calves across the lying area. Where calves are often lying bunched against the back wall or corner, the shed may be too cold.</p>
<p>A calf spends approximately 80% of its time lying down, therefore it’s essential to provide a deep, warm, dry bed. When giving the shed a bedding score, a good rule of thumb is to place your hand firmly onto the bedding. The straw around your hand should be up to your elbow. The base of the bed also needs to be dry – kneel on the bedding and when you stand up your knees should be dry.</p>
<p>When it comes to nutrition, for every degree below 10°C, an extra 2% milk replacer can be offered to compensate.</p>
<h4></h4>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><strong>Apart from milk replacer, what other sources of nutrition should the calf have in its diet?</strong></h4>
<p>Milk should be seen as a feed rather than as a drink. Water is an often-forgotten source of nutrition in calf rearing and is a cheap ingredient for hydration and rumen development. Fresh, clean water must be always available to calves. Where water is limited, this will restrict dry matter intakes. Dirty/contaminated water sources can also be linked to bloat.</p>
<p>Fresh clean straw is also another critical component in early rumen development and must be offered ad-lib as a source of fibre in the diet. Straw is preferable to hay. Silage/haylage should never be offered to calves pre-weaning.</p>
<h4></h4>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><strong>What sort of ration/nut should be offered to calves during the rearing period?</strong></h4>
<p>Starter rations should be introduced from 3 days of age and will play a vital role in rumen development and early weaning. They should be sweet-smelling, molassed and contain cooked ingredients – these 3 factors will help aid intakes and digestion. Once intakes start to increase (normally greater than 250g), a typical 18% crude protein calf ration or nut can be offered to calves.</p>
<p>Once calves are turned out to grass, or have grass in the diet, a 16% crude protein concentrate will suffice.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-6008" src="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Blog-Images-15.png" alt="Calves eating ration from shed" width="1007" height="527" srcset="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Blog-Images-15.png 1007w, https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Blog-Images-15-980x513.png 980w, https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Blog-Images-15-480x251.png 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1007px, 100vw" /></p>
<h4></h4>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><strong>When should I consider weaning my calves and how long should they be on milk?</strong></h4>
<p>A 70-day calf rearing period is the norm on farm. However, to have a uniform group of calves, weaning should ideally take place on a weight basis, coupled with concentrate intakes rather than an age basis. The target when weaning calves is to have doubled in live weight from birth to weaning (40–80kg in 10 weeks). However, weaning on a weight basis alone can create a false sense of security in terms of how ready calves are for the next stage of nutrition.</p>
<p>The success of the weaning process and the weeks thereafter will hinge around how the rumen has developed over the first weeks of the calf-rearing period. Weaning should never be considered until calves are consuming at least 1.5kg concentrate/hd/day in grouped pens – signalling that the calves’ dry matter intakes can cope with the transition to a 100% solid diet.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><strong>Further Advice</strong></h4>
<p>For further calf rearing advice or to learn more about our <a href="https://agritech.ie/calf-milk-replacer/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">milk replacer range</a> or <a href="https://agritech.ie/livestock-mineral-supplements/dairy/welmin-dairy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">post-calving minerals</a>, contact your <strong><a href="https://agritech.ie/find-a-distributor/">local Agritech Sales Advisor.</a></strong></p>
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		<title>Planning for Spring 2024</title>
		<link>https://agritech.ie/time-to-plan-ahead-now-for-spring-2024/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=time-to-plan-ahead-now-for-spring-2024</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Agritech]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 10 Dec 2023 11:15:18 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[animal nutrition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BCS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[body condition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Calf Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[calving]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dry cows]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[drying off]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[planning ahead]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[spring 2024]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://agritech.ie/?p=5905</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<img width="1200" height="628" src="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Blog-Images-7.png" class="attachment-Featured size-Featured wp-post-image" alt="cow with correct body condition score" style="float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Blog-Images-7.png 1200w, https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Blog-Images-7-980x513.png 980w, https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Blog-Images-7-480x251.png 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1200px, 100vw" /><div class="excerpt">With many cows dried off this month, the focus in most yards is on correct dry cow management. However, we [&#8230;]</div>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img width="1200" height="628" src="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Blog-Images-7.png" class="attachment-Featured size-Featured wp-post-image" alt="cow with correct body condition score" style="float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Blog-Images-7.png 1200w, https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Blog-Images-7-980x513.png 980w, https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Blog-Images-7-480x251.png 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1200px, 100vw" /><p>With many cows dried off this month, the focus in most yards is on correct dry cow management. However, we must consider nutrition plans for cows calving down for the coming spring.</p>
<p>Several key factors directly correlate to the success of the calving season, including:</p>
<ol>
<li>A planned and well executed dry cow mineral programme.</li>
<li>Calving down the cow in the correct body condition score.</li>
<li>Excellent animal husbandry in the week&#8217;s pre and post-calving (no additional stressors).</li>
<li>Careful transition diet planning.</li>
</ol>
<p>Fast forward to late January/February, especially given how silage quality was hampered by the weather this year: do we have sufficient high-quality forage available for when cows calve down/and if not, what is the plan of action?</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><strong>Negative Energy Balance</strong></h4>
<p>In the weeks post-calving, cows will always produce more milk than their feed intake can provide for, resulting in Body Condition loss due to Negative Energy Balance. For example, a cow will typically reach peak milk output 6-8 weeks post-calving but will only reach peak dry matter intake 10-12 weeks after calving. The freshly calved cow&#8217;s diet must be sufficient to keep body weight loss to less than 0.5 Body Condition Score (BCS) between calving and breeding.</p>
<p>Dry matter intake typically increases by 0.75 &#8211; 1.0 kg/week post-calving &#8211; highlighting the need for an energy-dense transition diet. This can be difficult to control where silage quality is compromised. Where a deficit occurs, we must be prepared to fill the gap, or issues such as poor fertility will come into effect in May. Adequate concentrate supplementation will be paramount (dependent on milk output), along with the inclusion of high-energy grazed grass in the diet.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-5911 size-full" src="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Blog-Images-8.png" alt="cows eating silage" width="1200" height="628" srcset="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Blog-Images-8.png 1200w, https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Blog-Images-8-980x513.png 980w, https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Blog-Images-8-480x251.png 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1200px, 100vw" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><strong>Monitoring NEB on Farm</strong></h4>
<ol>
<li>Falling/low milk protein % (signalling energy restriction in the diet &#8211; caused by poor quality silage, delayed turnout and/or insufficient supplementation levels relative to cow output).</li>
<li>Body condition loss across the herd (&gt;25% of cows with a &gt;0.5 unit of BCS loss in early lactation).</li>
<li>A bulk tank milk fat: protein ratio &gt; 1.4 (calculated by dividing the milk fat % by milk protein %) signals poor energy balance in the herd&#8217;s diet.</li>
</ol>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><strong>Further Advice:</strong></h4>
<p>For more information, contact your local <a href="https://agritech.ie/find-a-distributor/">Agritech Sales Advisor.</a></p>
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		<title>Transition cow management in 2023</title>
		<link>https://agritech.ie/transition-cow-management/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=transition-cow-management</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Agritech]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 23 Jan 2023 16:36:43 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[calving]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cow health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cow Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Transition Cow Management]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://agritech.ie/?p=5509</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<img width="1024" height="683" src="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Calved-cows-1.jpg" class="attachment-Featured size-Featured wp-post-image" alt="Dairy cows eating silage post calving" style="float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Calved-cows-1.jpg 1024w, https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Calved-cows-1-211x141.jpg 211w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><div class="excerpt">The efficiency of grass-based systems is hugely influenced by the calving pattern on farms, and subsequently requires excellent reproductive performance [&#8230;]</div>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img width="1024" height="683" src="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Calved-cows-1.jpg" class="attachment-Featured size-Featured wp-post-image" alt="Dairy cows eating silage post calving" style="float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Calved-cows-1.jpg 1024w, https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Calved-cows-1-211x141.jpg 211w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><p>The efficiency of grass-based systems is hugely influenced by the calving pattern on farms, and subsequently requires excellent reproductive performance in a short-breeding season. Therefore, it is extremely important to navigate through the transition period of a spring calving herd, with nutrition being a top priority.</p>
<p>In the weeks post-calving, cows will produce more milk than their feed intake can provide, resulting in Body Condition Score (BCS) loss due to Negative Energy Balance (NEB). A cow typically reaches peak milk output 6-8 weeks post-calving but will only reach peak dry matter intake 10-12 weeks post-calving. The success of the breeding season is mainly dictated by the severity and duration of this period of NEB during the weeks post-calving.</p>
<p>When prolonged, NEB will firstly appear in the form of low milk protein % in the short term and in the more long-term have detrimental consequences on fertility during the breeding season. The overall objective is to have calved down the cow at a BCS of 3.25 and maintain an average herd BCS of 3.0 (with a range of 2.75-3.25) at the start of breeding to achieve optimal fertility. Keeping body condition loss to less than 0.5 BCS between calving and breeding has proven to significantly increase the likelihood of conception to first service, with cows that lost &lt;0.5 body condition score between calving and breeding typically shown to ovulate 15 days sooner, than cows that lost ≥1 BCS.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter  wp-image-5521" src="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/AGRITECH-SOCIAL-JANUARY-1200-×-628-px.png" alt="Transition cow management " width="1361" height="712" srcset="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/AGRITECH-SOCIAL-JANUARY-1200-×-628-px.png 1200w, https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/AGRITECH-SOCIAL-JANUARY-1200-×-628-px-269x141.png 269w, https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/AGRITECH-SOCIAL-JANUARY-1200-×-628-px-1024x536.png 1024w, https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/AGRITECH-SOCIAL-JANUARY-1200-×-628-px-1080x565.png 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 1361px) 100vw, 1361px" /></p>
<p>In very practical terms, navigating the transition period means bridging the energy gap between the cow&#8217;s output relative to her intake. Forage quality and the proportion of high-quality grass in the diet will be the main dictating factors here. After this, most of the energy deficit will have to be filled with concentrates in the parlour, with milk output and silage analysis dictating feeding rates this spring.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4>Need help and advice?</h4>
<p>For more information on the management of the transition cow, contact your <a href="https://agritech.ie/find-a-distributor/">local Agritech Sales Advisor</a>.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Successful calf rearing – Getting the basics right</title>
		<link>https://agritech.ie/successful-calf-rearing-getting-the-basics-right/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=successful-calf-rearing-getting-the-basics-right</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Agritech]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 01 Jan 2023 19:38:44 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Agritech]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Calf Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Calf Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Calf rearing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[calving]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[calving 2021]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dairy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dairy Farming]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Herd Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[livestock]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Milk Replacer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[team dairy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vitalac]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://agritechni.co.uk/?p=4453</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<img width="800" height="600" src="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/calf-rearing.png" class="attachment-Featured size-Featured wp-post-image" alt="Newborn calf lying in straw" style="float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/calf-rearing.png 800w, https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/calf-rearing-188x141.png 188w, https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/calf-rearing-510x382.png 510w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><div class="excerpt">The ultimate goal of calf rearing is to set up a heifer to achieve target weights over her lifetime in [&#8230;]</div>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img width="800" height="600" src="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/calf-rearing.png" class="attachment-Featured size-Featured wp-post-image" alt="Newborn calf lying in straw" style="float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/calf-rearing.png 800w, https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/calf-rearing-188x141.png 188w, https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/calf-rearing-510x382.png 510w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><p>The ultimate goal of calf rearing is to set up a heifer to achieve target weights over her lifetime in order to maximise profitability. These targets will include doubling her birthweight at the point of weaning, achieving 60% of her mature weight at breeding, and calving down at 24 months at 90% of her mature body weight.</p>
<p>To reach such targets, replacement heifers need to achieve a steady gain of approximately 0.75 kg/day from birth. Interruptions to performance over the calf-rearing period may offset such target weights being achieved. Therefore, adopting best practice calf rearing advice and protocols are of key importance over the next few vital weeks.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-4468 aligncenter" src="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Copy-of-Copy-of-Agritech-Facebook-3-1024x576.png" alt="" width="560" height="315" srcset="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Copy-of-Copy-of-Agritech-Facebook-3-1024x576.png 1024w, https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Copy-of-Copy-of-Agritech-Facebook-3-250x141.png 250w, https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Copy-of-Copy-of-Agritech-Facebook-3.png 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h5><strong>3-2-1 Rule </strong></h5>
<p>Good colostrum management is the most important factor in calf health and survival. Over the last 3-5 years, 70% of calves that presented for a post-mortem at regional veterinary laboratories, were found to have received either poor quality or insufficient quantities of colostrum.</p>
<p>When feeding colostrum, it is essential that the 3-2-1 rule is adhered to. This includes providing the calf with at a minimum of 3 litres (or 5-6% of a calf’s birth weight), within 2 hours of birth, using colostrum from the cows first milking. This process should then be repeated 8 hours later, however it is important to note that by the second milking, the dam’s immunoglobulin content will have halved.</p>
<p>Cleanliness of colostrum is a huge dictating factor, as the amount of dirt particles or contamination to the colostrum before entering the calf will limit the amount of immunity absorption available. Feeding pooled colostrum to calves is also not recommended as it can lead to major risk factors including increased disease risk and poor-quality colostrum entering the pool.</p>
<p>With this in mind, it is essential to ensure that all utensils are sterile and that milking protocols and good colostrum harvesting hygiene are applied.</p>
<h5><strong>Calf Hygiene and Facilities </strong></h5>
<p>Facilities ideally should be clean, dry, draught free, with good ventilation. A new-born calf will spend over 80% of their time lying down, therefore it is imperative to provide a deep, warm, dry bed always.</p>
<p>Calves should spend minimal time periods in the calving-pen to avoid picking up infection or disease. To avoid carrying disease into the calf shed over the peak calving months, set-up a wash point at the entrance to the calf shed for staff, vets, etc. Early detection of sick calves and isolation to avoid spreading bacterial infections, is also of high importance.</p>
<h5><strong>Rumen Development </strong></h5>
<p>Once a calf starts to intake water and starter concentrates/ration, we introduce healthy bacteria into the rumen which will kick-start rumen development. Starter concentrates and ad-lib fresh water should be available to the calf from three days of age. A clean source of long roughage/fibre (e.g. straw) should also be available at all times to promote dry matter intakes This forage should be offered above ground level in racks/mangers.</p>
<p>Weaning should only ever be considered once calves are consuming 1.5 kg of concentrates/day. Weaning calves on a weight basis, compared to an age basis, will result in a more uniform batch.</p>
<h5><strong>Milk Replacer Choice </strong></h5>
<p>When it comes to milk replacer, the three main benefits include:</p>
<ol>
<li>Cost effectiveness</li>
<li>Reduced risk of disease transfer in the herd</li>
<li>Consistency in the calf’s diet</li>
</ol>
<p>Milk replacer should be dairy derived and contain a high dairy content. Dairy proteins are more easily digestible and available to the calf compared to plant-based proteins. Both <a href="https://agritech.ie/calf-milk-replacer/"><strong>Vitalac Red and Blue Calf Milk Replacers </strong></a>contain a 90-95% dairy content.</p>
<p>Milk replacer should replicate the role of good quality whole milk, typically offered at 12.5% milk solids (E.g. 125 g powder, into 875ml clean water to make 1 litre of milk). Feeding a calf twice-a-day at 6 litres/day would result in offering the calf 750 g of powder/day.</p>
<p>When mixing, adhere to the milk replacer guidelines outlined below using fresh clean, warm water and sterile mixing and feeding utensils. The optimal drinking temperature of the calf milk replacer is 39°C. To prepare the milk, dissolve the powder in two-thirds of the amount of water at 55-60°C and add the remaining water at room temperature until the optimum drinking temperature is reached.</p>
<p><strong>See typical milk replacer feeding guidelines below:</strong></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4456 " src="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Bucket-and-Automatic-Feeding.png" alt="Vitalac Full Feeding Schedule" width="552" height="535" srcset="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Bucket-and-Automatic-Feeding.png 987w, https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Bucket-and-Automatic-Feeding-146x141.png 146w, https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Bucket-and-Automatic-Feeding-45x45.png 45w" sizes="(max-width: 552px) 100vw, 552px" /></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4457 " src="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Once-a-DaY-Feeding.png" alt="Vitalac Once a Day Feeding " width="533" height="342" srcset="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Once-a-DaY-Feeding.png 670w, https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Once-a-DaY-Feeding-220x141.png 220w" sizes="(max-width: 533px) 100vw, 533px" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h5><strong>More Information: </strong></h5>
<p>For more information, browse our <a href="https://agritech.ie/calf-milk-replacer/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Vitalac Calf Milk Replacer page</a> or download the <a href="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Agritech-Milk-Replacer-Brochure.pdf">Agritech-Milk-Replacer-Brochure</a> (2.5MB).</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Final Preparations for Calving 2021</title>
		<link>https://agritech.ie/final-preparations-for-calving-2021/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=final-preparations-for-calving-2021</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Agritech]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 22 Dec 2020 16:02:40 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2021 lactation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Agritech]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[body condition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[body condition score]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[calving]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[calving 2021]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dairy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dairy Farming]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dry cow]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Herd Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lactation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mineral supplementation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Welmin]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Welmin Mineral Supplements]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://agritechni.co.uk/?p=4434</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<img width="1024" height="683" src="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020-lactation-cows-eating.jpg" class="attachment-Featured size-Featured wp-post-image" alt="Cows eating silage indoors" style="float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020-lactation-cows-eating.jpg 1024w, https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020-lactation-cows-eating-211x141.jpg 211w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><div class="excerpt">As we approach calving 2021 the focus should be on final preparations that will result in a spring free from [&#8230;]</div>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img width="1024" height="683" src="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020-lactation-cows-eating.jpg" class="attachment-Featured size-Featured wp-post-image" alt="Cows eating silage indoors" style="float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020-lactation-cows-eating.jpg 1024w, https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020-lactation-cows-eating-211x141.jpg 211w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><p>As we approach calving 2021 the focus should be on final preparations that will result in a spring free from any upsets, nutritional issues or metabolic diseases during an already busy time on farm.</p>
<p>Several key factors will correlate directly to the success of calving 2021, including:</p>
<ul>
<li>A planned and well executed dry cow mineral programme</li>
<li>Calving down the cow in the correct body condition score</li>
<li>Excellent husbandry in the weeks pre- and post-calving</li>
<li>Careful transition diet planning</li>
</ul>
<p>It is always worth remembering at this time in the year, that key decisions made over the next number of weeks will have a direct e­ffect on the performance of the herd, especially herd fertility &#8211; submission and conception rates, ultimately a­ffecting the longevity of the cow within the herd.</p>
<h3>Negative Energy Balance</h3>
<p>In the weeks post-calving, cows will produce more milk than their feed intake can provide for, resulting in Body Condition Score (BCS) loss due to Negative Energy Balance. Research has shown NEB will firstly, reduce milk protein and if prolonged, have detrimental consequences on the breeding season.</p>
<p>The milking cow should receive an adequate diet to optimise milk solids production and keep body weight loss to less than 0.5 BCS between calving and breeding. Cows that lose &lt; 0.5 BCS over this time (approx. 25 kg) typically ovulate 15 days earlier than those cows that lose 1 BCS during this period.</p>
<p>Dry matter intake typically increases by 0.75 – 1.0 kg/week for the first 8 weeks of lactation, therefore being 8 weeks post-calving before maximum intake is reached &#8211; highlighting the need for an energy-dense transition diet.</p>
<p>Every farm scenario is different, and tailored advice should be given where issues arise. However, early preparation and planning is vital to avoid added stresses on farm</p>
<h3>On farm support during COVID-19</h3>
<p>In order to keep our customers and staff as safe as possible, our sales team and distributors we will be minimising the number of on farm consultations. We are however, as always, available for FREE delivery direct to farm and over the phone consultations. Contact your local Agritech sales rep/distributor to place your order or <a href="https://agritech.ie/find-a-distributor/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">click here.  </a></p>
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		<title>Once-A-Day Calf Feeding Tips</title>
		<link>https://agritech.ie/once-a-day-calf-feeding/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=once-a-day-calf-feeding</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Agritech]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2020 17:48:29 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[calving]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[calving 2020]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[once-a-day-feeding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vitalac]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://agritechni.co.uk/?p=4099</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<img width="800" height="340" src="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Calf-New.png" class="attachment-Featured size-Featured wp-post-image" alt="once-a-day-calf-feeding" style="float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Calf-New.png 800w, https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Calf-New-332x141.png 332w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><div class="excerpt">Calf rearing is a time consuming and labour-intensive task for any farmer, and it happens to occur at the busiest [&#8230;]</div>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img width="800" height="340" src="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Calf-New.png" class="attachment-Featured size-Featured wp-post-image" alt="once-a-day-calf-feeding" style="float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Calf-New.png 800w, https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Calf-New-332x141.png 332w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" />
<p>Calf rearing is a time consuming and labour-intensive task
for any farmer, and it happens to occur at the busiest period on most farms.
The workload is usually split into two which means the time for feeding ends up
taking longer than anticipated. </p>



<p>To help spread the workload on farms, many Irish farmers are
opting to use once-a-day (OAD) calf feeding. It can be implemented with no cost
and does not compromise calf health or performance.&nbsp; </p>



<p><strong>Take a look at some of the benefits below</strong>: </p>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Feed calves at a time that suits your workload = Significantly reduced labour </li><li>Encourage the calf to eat more concentrate = Reduced total calf rearing cost and early weaning</li><li><strong><a aria-label="Vitalac Blue (opens in a new tab)" rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://agritech.ie/calf-milk-replacer/#vitalac-blue" target="_blank">Vitalac Blue</a></strong> is tailormade for once-a-day feeding = calves nutrient milk requirements satisfied   </li><li>A potential feed cost saving of up to 25 cent per calf per day = increase cash flow and profit </li><li>Opportunity to use sheds away from calving /parlour. This helps reduce stocking rates, hence reducing disease risk = healthier calves with better daily live-weight gain</li></ul>



<p>To find out more about our Vitalac Blue, <strong><a href="https://agritech.ie/calf-milk-replacer/#vitalac-blue" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">click here.</a></strong> </p>



<p>Our team are available to help you achieve optimum results from your calf rearing system. To find out more, contact your local Agritech sales representative/distributor or <strong><a href="https://agritech.ie/find-a-distributor/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">click here.</a> </strong></p>



<p><strong>Connect with us on SOCIAL MEDIA:</strong></p>



<p><a href="https://twitter.com/AgritechIreland">Twitter</a>   <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AgritechIreland">Facebook</a></p>



<p></p>
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		<title>How to promote early rumen development</title>
		<link>https://agritech.ie/early-calf-rumen-development/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=early-calf-rumen-development</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Agritech]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 14 Feb 2020 15:45:03 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Calf Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Calf rearing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[calving]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[calving 2020]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[feeding supplement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rumen development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[vitameg]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://agritechni.co.uk/?p=4066</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<img width="1494" height="657" src="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Calf-Rumen-Development.png" class="attachment-Featured size-Featured wp-post-image" alt="Calves eating calf starter feed for rumen development" style="float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Calf-Rumen-Development.png 1494w, https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Calf-Rumen-Development-321x141.png 321w, https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Calf-Rumen-Development-1024x450.png 1024w, https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Calf-Rumen-Development-1080x475.png 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 1494px) 100vw, 1494px" /><div class="excerpt">Newborn calves are key to future farm profitability, therefore it is critical to optimise performance from the earliest stages. In [&#8230;]</div>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img width="1494" height="657" src="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Calf-Rumen-Development.png" class="attachment-Featured size-Featured wp-post-image" alt="Calves eating calf starter feed for rumen development" style="float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Calf-Rumen-Development.png 1494w, https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Calf-Rumen-Development-321x141.png 321w, https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Calf-Rumen-Development-1024x450.png 1024w, https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Calf-Rumen-Development-1080x475.png 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 1494px) 100vw, 1494px" />
<p>Newborn calves are key to future farm profitability, therefore it is critical to optimise performance from the earliest stages. In addition to providing a clean, dry and warm environment, an early feeding strategy geared towards rumen development is key to successful calf rearing. </p>



<p>As all farmers know, feeding adequate amounts of colostrum to the new-born calf in a timely manner is crucial. The use of milk acidifiers is now a well-established practice on Irish farms as they promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, while restricting cultures that may cause nutritional issues. However, they are not as effective when it comes to encouraging the development of a large healthy rumen. </p>



<p><strong>Managing digestive changes </strong></p>



<p>To achieve optimum rumen development, it is important to introduce a high energy/protein calf starter ration from approximately 5 days of age, with free access to fresh clean water and high-quality straw. This will ensure good calf growth rates and a healthy well-developed rumen for future life. Bear in mind that once the rumen development process begins at two weeks of age, the subsequent change in digestion and gut function can make the animal highly susceptible to digestive upsets and pathogen challenges. This is where a product like as <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="VITAMEG (opens in a new tab)" href="https://agritech.ie/vitameg-feeding-supplement-calf-lamb/" target="_blank">VITAMEG</a> has many benefits. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Vitameg (opens in a new tab)" href="https://agritech.ie/vitameg-feeding-supplement-calf-lamb/" target="_blank">Vitameg</a> is an advanced feeding supplement for young calves. It contains botanical extracts which enhances digestion and stimulates feed intake by optimising the growth of gut microbial flora to outcompete pathogens. <a href="https://agritech.ie/vitameg-feeding-supplement-calf-lamb/">Vitameg</a> also contains prebiotic and yeast cell walls, commonly referred to as MOS, which helps fight against bacteria such as E-coli and salmonella. It also has added omega-3 which has shown to improve immunity and disease resistance, thereby preventing infection and stress.</p>



<p>Developing a large healthy rumen at this early stage will encourage the calf to consume large amounts of high-quality forage, i.e., grazed grass and silage. </p>



<p>Through on farm nutritional support, Agritech are available to support farmers throughout the calving season and beyond. To find out more about <a href="https://agritech.ie/vitameg-feeding-supplement-calf-lamb/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Vitameg,  (opens in a new tab)">Vitameg, </a>contact your local <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Agritech distributor  (opens in a new tab)" href="https://agritech.ie/find-a-distributor/" target="_blank">Agritech distributor </a>or <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="click here.  (opens in a new tab)" href="https://agritech.ie/vitameg-feeding-supplement-calf-lamb/" target="_blank">click here. </a></p>
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		<title>Calf Rearing – Exploiting the full genetic potential</title>
		<link>https://agritech.ie/calf-rearing-exploiting-full-genetic-potential/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=calf-rearing-exploiting-full-genetic-potential</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Agritech]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 16 Jan 2019 15:35:41 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Agritech]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[beef]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Calf Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Calf Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Calf Milk Replacer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Calf rearing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[calving]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[calving 2019]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cow Milk]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dairy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dairy Farming]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[growth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Herd Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[team dairy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vitalac]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[winter 2019]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://agritechni.co.uk/?p=3675</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<img width="800" height="340" src="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Calf-New.png" class="attachment-Featured size-Featured wp-post-image" alt="once-a-day-calf-feeding" style="float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Calf-New.png 800w, https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Calf-New-332x141.png 332w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><div class="excerpt">As we await the arrival of an ever superior generation of calves over the coming months, it is now worthwhile [&#8230;]</div>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img width="800" height="340" src="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Calf-New.png" class="attachment-Featured size-Featured wp-post-image" alt="once-a-day-calf-feeding" style="float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Calf-New.png 800w, https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Calf-New-332x141.png 332w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><p><a href="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Calf-New.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3678" src="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Calf-New.png" alt="" width="800" height="340" srcset="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Calf-New.png 800w, https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Calf-New-332x141.png 332w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></a></p>
<p>As we await the arrival of an ever superior generation of calves over the coming months, it is now worthwhile to take a closer look at young calf nutrition when planning ahead for the busy season.</p>
<p>Members of the Agritech team recently attended a Calf Performance Conference at the Blanca Research Facility in Spain which featured presentations from many renowned researchers, including Professor Alex Bach.</p>
<p>According to Agritech’s Sales Director, John Kenny, “From the conference, it became clear to me that at a level, we are significantly restricting the potential of our calves in this country with the level of milk replacer we feed to them. While this is fine for young calves which are destined for beef, it is totally uneconomical to take this approach with dairy female calves.</p>
<p>Feed efficiency runs at the rate of 60% in a young calf compared to just 7% in a pre-calving two year old heifer. I believe that our national dairy herd has much more to gain by taking a closer look at this area going forward.”</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Pre-Weaning  </strong></p>
<p>Farmers today are very well informed when it comes to the area of managing and feeding adequate amounts of colostrum to the new born calf in a timely manner. However, the benefits of achieving maximised weight performance from day two to weaning are far less documented in Ireland.</p>
<p>Let’s take an example of the calf’s mammary gland. When a dairy heifer calf is born, its mammary gland constitutes just 1% of its total body weight. If the daily live-weight gain of this calf is inadequate up to weaning, this key organ will most likely remain at this percentage. However, if calf performance is raised up to as near as possible to 1kg per head per day, the cells in this key gland will continuously split and multiply to the extent where the mammary gland will increase to approximately 2% of the calf’s body weight at 9-10 weeks of age.</p>
<p>While the above example highlights the mammary gland, the benefits of accelerated growth pre-weaning are applicable to all of the key organs in the young calf’s body, including heart, lungs, kidneys etc. The long term benefits of achieving a better developed calf at weaning with bigger and stronger organs are proven to deliver significant lifetime benefits through increased daily yields and improved disease immunity. It is also now widely accepted that the effects of increased growth pre-weaning on first lactation alone is circa +300 litres milk yield.</p>
<p>John states that that there is no such thing as compensatory growth with this approach to calf rearing. “Once the cells in each organ stop dividing at in or around the nine or ten week stage, they grow in line with the rest of the animal’s body thereafter. Farmers will only get one chance in a calf’s lifetime to secure this advantage.”</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Vitalac Calf Milk Replacer</strong></p>
<p>Agritech work with leaders in calf nutrition to bring a calf milk replacer range which will encourage accelerated growth and performance. Agritech’s <a href="https://agritech.ie/calf-milk-replacer/">Vitalac Calf Milk Replacer Range</a> from Nukamel offers a well-balanced level of highly digestible fat and protein via carefully selected, high quality ingredients. These quality ingredients are further enhanced through the use of advanced techniques and technology such as Emulsizym an<a href="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Agritech-Vitalac-Blue.tif"><img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3679" src="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Agritech-Vitalac-Blue.tif" alt="" /></a>d Spray Cooling Technology. <a href="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/v.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-3683 alignright" src="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/v.png" alt="" width="196" height="170" srcset="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/v.png 421w, https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/v-162x141.png 162w" sizes="(max-width: 196px) 100vw, 196px" /></a></p>
<p>Tried and tested by Teagasc at Grange Research Institute, <a href="https://agritech.ie/calf-milk-replacer/">Vitalac Milk Replacers</a> for calves showed increases in live weight gain and concentrate intakes of 8% and 10% over other leading brands on the market. <a href="https://agritech.ie/calf-milk-replacer/">Vitalac Calf Milk Replacer</a> is highly soluble and suitable for both bucket and/or automatic feeding systems.</p>
<p>For more information on the <a href="https://agritech.ie/calf-milk-replacer/">Vitalac Calf Milk Replacer Range</a> and calf rearing, contact your <a href="https://agritech.ie/find-a-distributor/">local distributor</a> or <a href="https://agritech.ie/calf-milk-replacer/">click here. </a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>TOP TIPS: Planning ahead for 2019</title>
		<link>https://agritech.ie/top-tips-planning-ahead-2019/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=top-tips-planning-ahead-2019</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Agritech]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 19 Dec 2018 16:51:06 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2019]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Agritech]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[beef]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Calf Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Calf rearing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[calving]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cow Milk]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dairy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dairy Farming]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[drying off]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Herd Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[indoor housing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[livestock]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Milk Replacer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sanitise]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sanitise Bedding Conditioner]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Welmin Mineral Supplements]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[winter]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://agritechni.co.uk/?p=3625</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<img width="500" height="250" src="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Untitled-2.png" class="attachment-Featured size-Featured wp-post-image" alt="Calves housed" style="float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Untitled-2.png 500w, https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Untitled-2-282x141.png 282w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /><div class="excerpt">Planning ahead is the key ingredient for success. Below we outline a number of key tasks that farmers must address [&#8230;]</div>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img width="500" height="250" src="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Untitled-2.png" class="attachment-Featured size-Featured wp-post-image" alt="Calves housed" style="float:left; margin:0 15px 15px 0;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Untitled-2.png 500w, https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Untitled-2-282x141.png 282w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /><p><a href="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Web-View.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3626" src="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Web-View.png" alt="" width="1023" height="365" /></a></p>
<p>Planning ahead is the key ingredient for success. Below we outline a number of key tasks that farmers must address to ensure that they are ready for the New Year.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Silage Analysis</strong></p>
<p>Favourable weather conditions created excellent autumn grazing conditions across the country, enabling many farms to bulk up silage stocks and reduce the risk of fodder deficits this winter. Despite this, it is essential not to become complacent, therefore we recommend that every farm establishes the quality and supply of silage in order to ensure that all animals are fed for optimum performance. Simply measure length x width x height (metres)/1.4 to give an accurate assessment of fresh tonnes of silage in the pit.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Cow Body Condition Analysis</strong></p>
<p>Cow body condition analysis is one of the most important jobs to be completed on farms at this time of the year. We recommend that farmers segregate under conditioned cows, especially first time calvers and those carrying twins, and supplement appropriately. A simple mix of soya and a barley or oats blend will fit most situations with the ratios and feeding levels dictated by silage quality and cow condition.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Dry Cow Mineral Supplementation</strong></p>
<p>Dry cow supplementation is essential for this time of the year. With a feeding recommendation of 100 grams per head per day, it is important that an increased amount of feed per day is given to cows who started their dry cow supplements late. A dry cow should receive a minimum of 6kgs of dry cow minerals in advance of calving in order to ensure that she is adequately replenished and prepared for calving and next year’s lactation.</p>
<p>Click <a href="https://agritech.ie/livestock-mineral-supplements/dairy/welmin-dairy/">here</a> for more information or take a read of our brand new <a href="https://agritech.ie/wp-content/uploads/Welmin-Mineral-Supplements-Brochure-PDF.pdf">2019 Welmin Brochure.</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Housing Hygiene </strong></p>
<p>With herd sizes increasing, the pressure on calving facilities and calf housing has become intense on many farms. If you suspect that cryptosporidium is a problem on your farm, it is important to ensure that the disinfectant you use addresses this hazardous threat. Steam cleaning is also a very useful tool in the fight against this parasite. It is highly recommended to apply a suitable hygiene product such as our <a href="https://agritech.ie/sanitise-bedding-conditioner/">Sanitise Bedding Conditioner</a> to the disinfected area.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Vaccinations</strong></p>
<p>A ‘dry’ farm is not an assurance against fluke infection, therefore the herd should be dung sampled to establish if parasites exist. Many of the anti-scour vaccines have a recommended application time of between 12 and 3 weeks before calving, making now an excellent time to vaccinate the early calving portion of the herd. Be careful to adhere to the regulatory guidelines when addressing fluke infections.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Soil Testing</strong></p>
<p>Now is also a great time to carry out the required soil tests on your farm. Ideally, the optimum time to test is 12 + weeks following the application of chemical fertilizer or slurry. When soil testing, it is important to ensure that the test taken is an accurate representation of the area being tested. This is best achieved by using a soil core and walking the area in a ‘W’ formation. 250 grams is an adequate amount of soil to include for each sample.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>For further advice on any of the above items discussed, please contact your <a href="https://agritech.ie/find-a-distributor/">local distributor. </a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr />
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Wishing all our customers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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