Nov 2013 Farm Newsletter

Page 1

Achieving Excellence in Health and Productivity

PARAGON VETERINARY GROUP

ISSUE 42

Livestock NEWS Calf milk replacer FFIS Grants Latest...

Feeding dairy calves is like second nature - twice a day in a bucket as a general rule (unless you have a machine) but when did you last do a review to check that calves are getting the right amount of milk replacer to ensure maximum growth?

As was said in last months newsletter there is a strong possibility that there will be final grant round under the FFIS scheme. The area that we are able to help you with is any investments that fall under the remit 'animal health and welfare'. In order to apply you need to be involved in the North West Livestock Programme (NWLP) and have a health plan produced under this scheme. For those of you that already have one, in order to apply this time you will need a health plan review (if your plan was completed more than 12 months ago). If you are a new starter to the NWLP then you will need a full health plan. In order to register for a review or a full plan then contact the SAC on 08456040535 The grant application window is anticipated to now be mid November to mid January but no formal announcement has been made yet. There is £20 million available nationally with the grant allocation being 40%. The minimum grant is £2,500 and the maximum grant is £25,000. Contact Jemma or Victor for further information or look online at: www.farmnw.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2013

Contact us: PARAGON VETERINARY GROUP CALDEW VETERINARY GROUP Carlisle House, Townhead Road, Dalston, Carlisle

Tel: (01228) 710208 vets@paragonvet.com TOWNHEAD VETERINARY CENTRE Townhead Veterinary Centre, Newbiggin, Stainton, Penrith, Cumbria CA11 0HT

Tel: (01768) 483789 townhead@paragonvet.com Latest research recommends growth rates of 0.7-0.8kg for a Holstein dairy heifer calf to meet target weight to serve at 400kg at 400 days to then calve down at 24 months old.

amount into an appropriate sized tub that can be used to make up larger quantities. Also in order to get e.g. the 12.5% solution 125g needs to be added to 875ml of water not 1 litre.

In order for the most efficient and cost effective entire rearing period it has been shown that ensuring adequate levels of milk replacer in the pre-weaning period is crucial to this.

Also it is worth looking at the quality of your milk replacer. Key things to look for are crude protein levels (22-24%), oil levels (16-20%), ash levels (7.5-8%) and fibre levels at zero.

As a target 700-900g of milk replacer is required per day and the optimum in bucket fed calves is twice daily in two 3 litre feeds. To simplify this it equates to in the region of 125g - 150g/litre to make a 12.5-15% solution.

Storing milk replacer in a sealed tub prevents moisture from affecting its quality too.

Not all calf milk replacers weigh out the same so it is a good idea to use kitchen scales and measure the required

PARAGON VETERINARY GROUP

visit us at: www.paragonvet.com

It is worth remembering that in cold weather calves will use more energy reserves keeping warm so increasing replacer rates at this time will maintain growth rates.

PARAGON ET et@paragonvet.com

24HR EMERGENCY SERVICE


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Nov 2013 Farm Newsletter by Paragon Vets - Issuu