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.

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.

Managing digestive changes

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 VITAMEG has many benefits.    

Vitameg 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. Vitameg 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.

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.

Through on farm nutritional support, Agritech are available to support farmers throughout the calving season and beyond. To find out more about Vitameg, contact your local Agritech distributor or click here.

Although temperatures are beginning to rise, calves are still at risk of contracting pneumonia. Take a look at some of the common causes as well as our effective solutions below:

Causes

• Variation in high day temperatures and low night temperatures. If greater than 13°C, animals are at a higher risk of pneumonia
• Poor shed ventilation, i.e. leaving doors open in the late evening
• Overstocking sheds. As calves grow, they require more ground and air space

Solutions 

• Treat all symptoms immediately
• Provide shelter, space and keep calves rehydrated at all times
• Boost calf immunity by feeding Vitameg in both milk and feed

Vitameg

Vitameg is a feeding supplement with prebiotic and Omega-3 for young ruminants.

Vitameg’s combination of ingredients when fed to young ruminants will:

• Increase feed intakes.
• Stimulate rumen development.
• Increase daily live weight gain.
• Support calf natural defence mechanism.
• Improve digestibility

View our Vitameg brochure 

To find out more, contact your local distributor 

VIV Asia is the leading international feed to food trade show in Asia and attracts up to 1,250 international exhibitors. This three day show takes place from the 13th-15th of March and will present the latest solutions, trends and technologies for animal husbandry, breeding and processing.

The Agritech team are delighted to attend this event as it is a unique opportunity to meet with current and potential partners from across the world and showcase our wide range of feed supplements for ruminant, pig and poultry markets, which are enriched with essential omega-3 acids and salmon oil. On the day, visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about our products, including Agromega and Salomega for monogastric animals such as pigs and poultry and Rumate, Rumicare, Vitameg, and Optimate, which have been developed for ruminant animals.

We will be exhibiting at Hall 105, Stand 806, so be sure to drop by to learn more about our product range or to simply chat to our team of experts!

For further updates, check out our international page here.