Research and innovation
Based on thorough research and far-reaching innovation, calf milk replacers perfectly meet the needs of every calf. This is made possible by precise composition of the ingredients (including vitamins and minerals) aimed at delivering maximum health and development. In particular the fat percentage of milk replacer is considerably lower than that of cow’s milk, thereby helping to prevent the risk of white manure (undigested feed) as well as ensuring better take-up (Yohe, T.T., 2020), (Hill, et al., 2009). This is turn offers real guarantees of growth.
Six proven advantages of calf milk replacer in brief
1. Less diarrhea
Calf milk replacer has a constant composition based on a fixed fat and protein percentage. As a result, calves receive the same amount of nutrients, every day. This constant feed ensures gradual digestion and no stress in the gastrointestinal duct, thereby reducing the risk of diarrhea. It is also labour saving, because sick animals take up time and money, and reduce the pleasure of work.
Demonstrably better results with calf milk replacer
In collaboration with the University of China (CAU), we undertook research into the combination of calf milk replacer and cow’s milk. The study revealed that starting with calf milk replacer and switching to cow’s milk after 6.5 weeks resulted in a huge reduction in diarrhea levels in calves when compared with starting with cow’s milk and switching to calf milk replacer after 3.5 weeks.
Our own studies show that calves fed with calf milk replacer for 9 weeks have 38% fewer diarrhea problems than calves fed with cow’s milk for the same period. The eventual outcome was a 33% reduction in medicine use.
2. Higher feed uptake
Due to slower digestion (coagulation) and higher fat content, a calf fed with cow’s milk experiences a saturated feeling more quickly compared to a calf fed with calf milk replacer. Gradual digestion and constant composition of milk replacers contribute to better roughage and concentrate uptake; that in return relates directly to better rumen development. In addition, higher roughage and concentrate uptake during weaning are essential for preventing/reducing a weaning dip and as a result delayed development. In this respect, while cutting back the milk feed timetable, it is essential to continue delivering sufficient energy to the calf, in terms of roughage and concentrates (Hill T.M., 2016).
3. Increased resistance
Feeding cow’s milk results in a higher chance of infection due to the cells in the raw milk (somatic cells/mL). Illnesses such as Staphylococcus Aureus, E. Coli and Salmonella can be transferred through the calf via infected cow’s milk or mastitis milk. Milk replacer is guaranteed free of these pathogens.
Calf milk replacer is also free of antibiotics and has a low somatic cell count however, taking into account demands on the calf’s natural resistance and unnecessarily wasting energy.
4. Extra health formula
The added health formula in calf milk replacer contribute to optimum intestinal and airway health, which in return leads to higher growth rates proven in trials on CAIR and the IMAGRO health concept.
5. Less labour-intensive
Calf milk replacer can be fed after feeding colostrum milk (first milking). After adjusting prepared milk to the right temperature all calves can be fed in one go, which is labour efficient. On the other hand, cow’s milk comes from a cooled tank and has to be heated before feeding or comes straight from one cow but is not sufficient to feed all the calves. This means adjustments in the herd management, time scheduling and labour.
6. Higher milk production results in more durable milk production
What is the benefit of healthy calves? Healthy, strong cows with greater longevity. These animals are present on your farm for more lactations, and deliver higher lifetime production rates. As a result, more milk is produced by fewer animals (Burgers, E.E.A., et al., 2020).
Of course, the choice always lies with the dairy farmer: calf milk replacer or cow’s milk for your calves? Every dairy farm is unique in its own way. One thing they do all have in common is if things can be done better, more efficient, saving costs then that is the way to go. For healthier calves, for healthier farms.
For more information about our Kalvolac calf milk replacer click here