Allaster Dallas (FCG Midwest)

The last few months have shown the cyclical nature of the commodity markets and downward pressure on the milk price.  It is noticeable that the impact of higher calf prices has on shrinking overall profit margins.

Between 6% and 10% of calves are lost on dairy farms in the UK, with scours and pneumonia accounting for three-quarters of the deaths.  Calves are not born with immunity to any of the diseases around them.  The only way a calf can pick up any immunity is through colostrum.  Farms with good colostrum management will make more sales, regardless of what nutritional programme is implemented next.

Colostrum is the foundation for all calf nutrition, and the recommendation is to feed between 8 to 10% of the calf’s body weight within the first four hours of life (ideally 2 hours), and a second dose of the same amount within 6 to 8 hours.  Both doses must ideally be 37/38 C.  The aim is to maximise the passive transfer of immunity from the dam to the calf.  If you are using pooled colostrum, the disease incidence of the animals pooled must be determined.

Test the calves, ideally, between 2 and 7 days of age, using a zinc sulphate turbidity (ZST) test, to measure the success of any colostrum protocol.  This involves a vet taking a blood test from the calf.  Over 20 ZST units show adequate colostrum absorption, less than 20 ZST units suggest inadequate intake.  The aim should always be to identify trends over time and monitor management changes.  Ideally, the two tests should be used in conjunction.

Recording how and when deaths occur is a key area for improving survival rates.  Disease can build up quickly when bottlenecks in calving patterns arise.  It can be beneficial to put in more labour or hire contractors to clean out yards to maintain throughput during busy periods.

As with culling, how long calves remain on farm before being sold is key to maximising returns.  Having too many calves on the farm is an issue and can lead to disease problems.  Planning alternative housing may be required, even if this is temporary.  Planning and preparing beforehand can lead to a lot less stress and hassle and more returns later.

Rearing calves is labour-intensive, and anything that can be done to reduce this will improve mortality rates.  This can include calf trolleys, lagged water pipes and enhanced access to bedding.

Small management changes can increase livestock sales and bolster farm incomes.

For an independent assessment to look at improving your calf rearing management to help counter lower milk prices, contact Allaster at allasterdallas@fcgagric.com or your local FCG Office.