Focus on Calves by WynnstayGroup

FOCUS ON CALVES Technical advice for rearing healthy calves

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www.wynnstayagriculture.co.uk

WELCOME TO FOCUS ON CALVES! Welcome to our 6th edition of Focus on Calves. The past year has seen a variety of pressures on UK calf rearers. The spotlight from activists has, on the whole, done nothing but highlight the exceptional standard that the farming community in this country holds.

This publication is your complete guide to the best practice and latest innovations in calf rearing, written by our very own team of Calf & Youngstock Specialists, with guest articles from industry experts. At Wynnstay, we pride ourselves on offering an extensive range of quality products, together with expert advice in a wide range of fields, including calf and youngstock rearing. Like any area of farming, there are always new challenges presented by calf rearing, alongside old hurdles which continue to test us. Our Calf & Youngstock Specialists can act as an extension to your on-farm team, offering expert advice and support when needed, to ensure you get the best possible system in place for your youngstock. Take a look though our publication for a taste of what we can offer you.

Increasing influences from processors and supermarkets have led to many farmers having to adapt their calf-rearing systems, and no doubt, more changes are on the cards for the future. The Wynnstay Calf & Youngstock Team is always on hand to advise you through these changing times, and on how to progress in the most economically-efficient way. It’s not all doom and gloom though! The great weather we are seeing at the minute, brings an excellent opportunity to clear out calf pens. Thoroughly disinfect them and allow them to dry, removing the bugs and bacteria that have had a chance to build up over the winter. On Page 30, you can view our hygiene tips and on Page 31, you can have a chance to enter our competition to win a complete hygiene package worth £150!

Eimear Diamond

Calf & Youngstock Manager

m: 07881 379008 e: eimear.diamond@wynnstay.co.uk @diamondcalf1

Inside This Issue: 4. Get to know your local Calf & Youngstock Specialists

16. Making youngstock rearing stack up

6. Calf-rearing essentials

17. Calf meal size - is it time to re-think current strategies?

7. Disease focus on mycoplasma

18. Responsible mineral nutrition for youngstock

8. Are automated feeders the future of calf rearing?

20. There’s more to colostrum than passive immunity

10. Questions and Answers with Jamie Robertson, Housing Specialist

22. What’s new in calf rearing? 24. Dengrove Farm Calf-Rearing Focus

11. The first meal is a big deal!

26. ELIXIR – a revolution in early life nutrition

12. Wynnguard - A bespoke health package exclusively available from Wynnstay

28. A vet’s perspective 29. Calf Team Study Tours

14. Cost implications of imbalanced finishing rations

30. Hygiene - Keeping Bacteria At Bay

15. Heifers must be the correct body size, as well as age, at first calving

WIN A COMPLETE * HYGIENE PACKAGE

WORTH £150

Enter on page 31 or visit www.wynnstayagriculture.co.uk/competitions *Terms and conditions apply. 2

WYNNSTAY AGRICULTURE

FOCUS ON CALVES 2019

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GET TO KNOW OUR CALF & YOUNGSTOCK TEAM Eimear Diamond

Calf & Youngstock Manager

m: 07881 379008 e: eimear.diamond@wynnstay.co.uk @diamondcalf1

Raised on a beef farm in Northern Ireland, Eimear knows how getting the first few months of a calf’s life correct results in a more productive cow and a better-quality carcass. Eimear joined the Wynnstay team in 2017 as a Calf Specialist, covering the South-West of England. In October 2018, Eimear was Product Manager for Calf and Lamb Milk Replacers when she was promoted to manage The Calf & Youngstock Team. Eimear has a BSc in Animal Behaviour and Welfare from Bristol University and has developed a keen eye for good carcass quality.

Jess Charlton

Sammy Howorth

m: 07990 584740 e: jess.charlton@wynnstay.co.uk

m: 07810 444948 e: sammy.howorth@wynnstay.co.uk

Calf & Youngstock Specialist Shropshire, Cheshire, Staffordshire & N. Wales

Calf & Youngstock Specialist Lancashire & Cumbria

@charltoncalf1

@howorthcalf1

Sammy is from a beef and sheep farm in the hills of the Rossendale Valley. She covers Lancashire and Cumbria. Although lambing is her favourite time, dairy calves generally occupy her attention for the other 50 weeks of the year! Her interest in dairy farming was sparked on a large dairy farm in West Sussex, as carrying out a research project while studying for her BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare Degree, at Harper Adams University.

GET TO KNOW YOUR LOCAL CALF & YOUNGSTOCK TEAM

Jess joined as a Wynnstay Calf Specialist in January 2017. She previously worked as an Agriculture lecturer and a Veterinary Technician, specialising in embryo transfer. Jess gained a (BSc) Degree in Animal Health at Harper Adams University and worked as a herdsman and calf rearer on a dairy farm in Cheshire. She lives on a 400-cow spring-calving dairy unit in Shropshire. Jess covers North Herefordshire, Shropshire, Cheshire, Staffordshire and the North Midlands, providing top-class advice on our milk powders, calf feeds and machines.

Tom Perry

Laura Monk

m: 07785 752441 e: tom.perry@wynnstay.co.uk

m: 07767 275662 e: laura.monk@wynnstay.co.uk

Calf & Youngstock Specialist Somerset, Dorset & Hampshire

Calf & Youngstock Specialist Cornwall & Devon

Tom has joined the Wynnstay team, having previously worked as a dairy herd manager on a robotic unit in Somerset. Tom graduated from the University of Reading with a BSc (Hons) Degree in Agriculture. He gained invaluable experience working on high-input progressive UK dairy farms and travelling around New Zealand, visiting grass-based systems. Tom specialised in early calf development, understanding the importance of achieving target growth rates to optimise lifetime performance and productivity. Tom combines a practical and technical approach to rearing youngstock, covering Somerset, Dorset, East Devon and South Hampshire.

@monkcalf1

A sheep farmer’s daughter from Mid Cornwall, Laura is integral to sheep enterprises at her home, breeding and selling pedigree Charolais and Texel sheep. The farm is involved in rearing beef-cross dairy calves. Laura gained almost 10 years’ relief milking experience on different systems, from three times a day high-input, to spring calving grassbased herds. Laura graduated from the Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester with an (Hons) Degree in Agricultural Management, with Advanced Livestock Production. She advises on the end requirements of calves in varying systems.

Millie Hendy

Elinor Thomas

m: 07717 495746 e: millie.hendy@wynnstay.co.uk

m: 07500 979398 e: elinor.thomas@wynnstay.co.uk

Calf & Youngstock Specialist Gloucestershire, Avon & Midlands

Calf & Youngstock Specialist Mid & South Wales

@hendycalf1

@thomascalf1

A farmer’s daughter raised on a mixed beef and sheep farm near Bath, Millie covers Somerset, Gloucestershire, South Herefordshire, North Wiltshire, North Somerset and the M4 corridor. Millie has a keen passion for livestock, through success in the show ring and stock judging. Previously a livestock buyer, she has established her own pedigree shorthorn herd. So Millie has a great understanding of what is required to achieve your end goal for your animal.

A farmer’s daughter raised on a dairy farm in South Wales, Elinor studied for a foundation degree in Agriculture at Gelli Aur College, as managing a 200-cow dairy herd on a farm in the Vale of Glamorgan. Elinor covers Mid and East Wales to Haverfordwest, West Wales. She advises on all aspects of calf rearing, from milk powders, to heifer feed and calf housing.

WYNNSTAY AGRICULTURE

FOCUS ON CALVES 2019

Laura

If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a local specialist in your area please call our Calf & Youngstock Manager, Eimear Diamond who can advise on your best point of contact

GET TO KNOW YOUR LOCAL CALF & YOUNGSTOCK TEAM

Tom

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WYNNSTAY AGRICULTURE

FOCUS ON CALVES 2019

DISEASE FOCUS ON MYCOPLASMA A hot topic among many farmers and vets is the issue of Mycoplasma. With New Zealand enforcing an aggressive culling policy on infected cows it raises the questions; do we know enough about it? Are we being proactive? So it goes without saying that prevention is better than a cure, especially when discussing calf health and performance. Bulk tank culture and PCR have been advocated as ways of monitoring and screening herds for the presence of Mycoplasma Bovis mastitis. However, successful bulk tank culture is reliant on a clean milking routine to minimise contamination with environmental organisms.

What is Mycoplasma? Mycoplasma are a group of small bacteria, in the UK the most prevalent strain is Mycoplasma Bovis (M.Bovis). Mycoplasma is of great concern among the UK farming industry because it is very hard to treat. It is a bacteria with a number of its own defence mechanisms. It has no cell wall, so the most-commonly-used antibiotics, such as Penicillin’s and Cephalosporins, are not effective. It can change surface proteins which helps it to evade a calf’s immune system and go undetected. It can also produce a biofilm which temporarily “hides” from the immune system and antibiotics.

How is it transmitted? Transmission of M.Bovis is usually by close and repeated contact, infected milk can also be a source, including colostrum. Animals that are already immune suppressed are more likely to contract the disease, most commonly calves that are BVD positive. M.Bovis can also be spread via feeding equipment such as teats, feeders, tubes and also from dam to calf post calving.

In calves and youngstock infection of M.Bovis can result in a range of symptoms, depending on the area of the body affected, but most frequently causes;

Management and prevention

Pneumonia, conjunctivitis, inner-ear infection, arthritis, high temperature, runny nose, head tilt, abscess, crusty eyes

• One of the highest risk factors affecting a farm is from bought in cows with an unknown disease status, therefore a closed herd is recommended, or any bought-in-cows should be quarantined and tested before integration into the herd.

In extreme cases discharge comes from the ear canal and there can be swelling over the eyes and forehead and a reduction in appetite.

• It is also vital that unpasteurised milk is never fed to calves and colostrum should ideally be pasteurised too using a Store N Thaw machine. • Because of the risk of dam-to-calf transmission, it is suggested that the calf should be removed to a clean and hygienic area as soon as possible after birth.

• Ensure adequate ventilation in youngstock buildings and keep the stock clean and regularly mucked out. • Disinfect all calf feeding and rearing equipment after each use to avoid pen to pen transfer

Identifying Mycoplasma

• Isolate sick animals

Identifying an infection with M.Bovis can be difficult, but there are two main ways in which it can be found. Firstly, by classical diagnosis, which is via a selective culture medium with prolonged incubation in an enriched carbon dioxide environment. This can take up to 21 days, which in the event of an outbreak can be costly, however this method allows individual species to be identified, giving a more targeted treatment protocol. The second method is by PCR. A culture-based broad scan will give a positive or negative result, it’s very quick but it won’t identify the species. It is important to note that timing of the sample taken is crucial and your vet should be contacted if you have any concerns.

• Treat quickly • Ensure an adequate vaccination programme. Take time to discuss with your vet if you feel your calves are at risk of a M.Bovis infection, early detection within a herd can save the headache of an outbreak within the youngstock.

Jess Charlton

Calf & Youngstock Specialist Shropshire, Cheshire, Staffordshire & N. Wales

m: 07990 584740 e: jess.charlton@wynnstay.co.uk

@charltoncalf1

DISEASE FOCUS ON MYCOPLASMA

• Try to operate an all-in, all-out system to minimise young animals coming into contact with older animals.

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ARE AUTOMATED FEEDERS THE FUTURE OF CALF REARING? Calves thrive on consistency - one of the main benefits of machine feeding - including guaranteed temperatures, mixing rates and quantities. Another main benefit of machine feeding is regular small meals, which allows you to reallocate your valuable time.

You have done the hard bit…figured out where you’re going to source calves from, what powder to feed them, and what starter feed is best. Now you are faced with the many options for how to feed the chosen milk powder, and with those options, host a range of costings. It is widely accepted that calves and youngstock are the most vulnerable on the farm – however the tide is turning. Once calves where housed in the sheds that time forgot, and fed as quickly as possible at the end of the day (whilst you were probably already running late for tea!). We are now seeing bespoke sheds going up all over the country, complete with mechanical ventilation and automated feeders, mechanical ventilation and automated feeders.

More and more farmers are saying: “We couldn’t be without our Wynnstay machines.”

ARE AUTOMATED FEEDERS THE FUTURE OF CALF REARING?

However, the question remains: is automatic feeding the answer to your calf-rearing questions? And when investing in automatic machines – what should be considered?

These machines are commonly described as “labour-saving devices” but if you buy one with such high hopes, you may be in for a shock. We think automated machines are more likely to allow you to reallocate your time. It will no longer be necessary to be in the calf shed at 7am and 7pm every day, instead, you can go in throughout the day as it suits you. And although mixing milk powder, or carrying milk from the parlour is no longer necessary – time will now be spent checking the alarm list, pulling those calves into the feed stations to ensure they drink, and cleaning the machine. A machine is most definitely not a replacement for a good stockperson. Machines are best exploited when feeding calves regular small meals. They mix up the calf’s allocated portion when it enters the feed stations – so each feed is fresh. Smaller, regular portion size, and a more gradual wean on machines helps mimic nature – helping to reduce calf stress. There has been a surge in machines being installed in the last few years, with a mix of farmers requesting them. Many farmers are new to automated feeding and there are those who have had machines on farm for 10-15 years, who are now upgrading to a new model.

Photograph courtesy of Volac International

More and more farmers are saying: “We couldn’t be without our Wynnstay machines.”

Automatic feeders: In recent years, we have seen automated machine feeders becoming more popular on farm, and with recent government grants including machines, popularity has soared.

Which Machine to choose? After having considered all the above, and still thinking an automated feeder will suit your system and farm, the next question is likely be – which machine to go for?

The basic principle of machine feeding is that calves can enter and leave the feed station at will, but the feeding regime is controlled by computer technology. This technology allows a carefully controlled milk feeding program – with each calf individually identified (via electronic collar or tag) and fed to their stage in the program. Most machines on the market can handle 4 stations, allowing from 100-120 calves to be fed per machine

There a few big names on the market and when we get down to the nitty gritty, they all perform the same basic task. Feed calves as often as you programme it to do so, at the correct temperature, and it will show you an alarm list covering various areas (from drinking speed and break

WYNNSTAY AGRICULTURE

FOCUS ON CALVES 2019

offs in drinking, to not finishing portion size). Wynnstay’s suppliers have a wide range of feeders to suit your individual needs and an impressive selection, including machines that can feed 120 calves, can be found on Page 31. Much like choosing a new parlour, it is paramount to go with a manufacturer who has an engineer close by, should a call out be needed. Find someone reliable, who is going to be on the other end of the phone for those first few weeks, whilst you adjust to the machine.

It is good practise to have two sets of teats operating at any one time, allowing them to be swapped once in the day; so that one set is being cleaned and disinfected while the other is on the machine.

Photograph courtesy of Volac International

Take-home message

Other Factors to consider:

There is no question that machines are a great tool – but you will need to be patient as calves adjust, and a good stockperson is essential. A good feeder set up will allow you to manage calves, not manage problems.

Drainage Drainage is one of the most important factors when thinking of where to install feed stations. There will be a lot of liquid from each station, from the machine autocleaning, and also from the calf – urinating and salivating. Therefore, it is essential to have good drainage from the area around them.

For further advice on automated milk machines and machine feeding, contact your local Wynnstay Calf & Youngstock Specialist.

I would recommend stations be located at the front of the pens on hardstanding, away from the bedded area, ensuring that any liquid will drain away from the beds. Disinfection With up to 30 calves in a pen on machines, planning a disinfection and cleaning protocol will be key to success. Disease prevention is paramount. (for more information see article on page 30)

Teats Teats are the point on your machine that all calves come into contact with – 3-4 times a day, and must be regularly maintained. You may feel that you are replacing teats on the machine more than you bargained for, remember you have 25-30 calves visiting that one teat many times a day! It is essential that damaged or worn teats are replaced immediately as they can disrupt milk flow and also act as a place where bacteria can build up.

Eimear Diamond

Calf & Youngstock Manager

m: 07881 379008 e: eimear.diamond@wynnstay.co.uk @diamondcalf1

ARE AUTOMATED FEEDERS THE FUTURE OF CALF REARING?

Photograph courtesy of Volac International

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QUESTION AND ANSWERS WITH JAMIE ROBERTSON, HOUSING SPECIALIST As Calf & Youngstock Specialists we are often discussing youngstock housing on farm. Whether that be advice on adapting existing buildings, or erecting new structures with youngstock in mind.

QUESTION AND ANSWERS WITH JAMIE ROBERTSON, HOUSING SPECIALIST

Jamie Robertson, Animal Health Researcher in Aberdeen is often on the other end of the phone, double checking our ideas or building designs. Elinor Thomas caught up with Jamie to ask him some of the most common questions asked on farm.

Where should I put my calf shed, what’s the ideal location?

What cladding should be used on the side of the shed?

The location of the calf house in relation to prevailing winds and other sheds, trees etc. must be taken into consideration when planning a new house. The shed would ideally be situated on the prevailing wind side of the cattle, and for the most of Britain that’s the South West. If the shed is very exposed to weather conditions, more closure on the shed will be needed. The shed also needs to be in a suitable and accessible location for staff to make frequent visits.

The main requirement is to eliminate wind speed, so Yorkshire boarding or vented air sheets would be ideally suited. Space boarding will only be beneficial if it’s protected from other existing building.

Mechanical ventilation - what’s the best practice?

Tubes are a simple and easy way of good ventilation. Don’t use fans without a tube! It roughly costs around £1,200 for the fan and duct for a 100ft shed. Fans without tubes will increase the spread of disease/ germs. If you enquire about fans from different suppliers, just be aware that they need to know how many calves there will be and the height of your shed, for them to be able to design a personalised fan for you. A ‘standard product’ could cause you serious problems so come to Wynnstay and ask our team for advice. Fans cost around £1 a day to run.

What height should a calf shed and roof pitch be?

The height of the shed should only be based on machinery height – enough to be practical! We want to stay away from too much volume in the calf shed. A roof pitch should never be less than 15%; the flatter the roof the more chance that the inside temperature will vary. Calves find it hard to cope with variable temperatures and a flat roof absorbs more energy from the sun.

How to improve existing sheds?

What sort of vent/roof style?

Firstly, it’s essential to determine which of the following is causing problems.

A vented roof should have a covered open ridge and upstands. For ventilation to work 100%, we need a hole in the roof and a fan and a duct (tube). This is because calves under 3 months of age can’t produce the stack effect. When wind speeds drop, there is a lack of fresh air ventilation, so fan and ducts become essential in any calf housing.

What height should concrete panels be?

Generally concrete panels are to calf height (4ft) although the newest research would suggest concrete panels should be to 300mm with plastic walls.

•

Hygiene – Hygiene is absolutely key in existing sheds, improving on this can help a lot in the long run.

•

Moisture – if moisture is the problem and adequate drains aren’t in place - make some.

•

Ventilation – as simple as this, all calf housing needs a tube fan and hole in the roof.

•

Air speed – making sure there’s no serious draft at animal height, if you’ve got group pens then it might be worth putting a big straw bale in the pen, calves can protect themselves from any draft.

Insulation boards in the roof?

Drainage?

The purpose of insulation boards is to reduce the variation of the indoor temperature, therefore making it cooler on warm days and warmer on the cold ones.

If they want drainage underneath straw, then the slope needs to be 1 in 20 (this also reduces straw costs). The absolute minimum for drainage slopes would be 1 in 60 but you will see an increase in straw costs.

Elinor Thomas

Calf & Youngstock Specialist Mid & South Wales

At the bottom of the slope 100mm channel drains are required that are simple and easy to keep clean.

m: 07500 979398 e: elinor.thomas@wynnstay.co.uk

@thomascalf1

WYNNSTAY AGRICULTURE

FOCUS ON CALVES 2019

THE FIRST MEAL IS A BIG DEAL!

Vaccines can be used in the last few weeks of pregnancy to get specific antibodies into the colostrum which will be fed to the calf. For example, where calves are regularly challenged with scour in early life, it would be sensible to vaccinate the dam during her dry period to boost the level of antibodies specific to the most common causes of scour. Rotavecâ&#x201E;˘ Corona provides antibodies to rotavirus, coronavirus and E.coli K99.

Note: To get the best result from any vaccine it

is important not to overlook the manufacturersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; guidelines 1. Storage temperature: Rotavec Corona is a temperature-sensitive vaccine and should be stored in the fridge, once the seal is broached, the bottle should be used within 8 hours.

2. When to use: Pregnant cows/heifers should be vaccinated 3-12 weeks prior to calving (cows vaccinated too close to calving may have no presence of the antibodies in their colostrum). 3. Accurate dose and route - single 2ml injection, administered intramuscular. 4. Calves are to be fed first colostrum and then transition milk from vaccinated animals for a further 8 feeds to allow maximum protection.

After successfully manufacturing the best colostrum within the udder, we need to harvest it as soon after calving as is practically achievable. For every hour colostrum is not collected from a cow, it reduces in quality by 3%; a 12-hour delay, results in 36% reduced quality (Dr Rick Dumm, 2019). The next challenge is getting it to the calfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s abomasum as quickly and as hygienically as possible. With bacteria capable of doubling every 20 minutes, colostrum needs to be fed, refrigerated, frozen or pasteurised ASAP. It is important to note that pasteurisation will reduce the number of bacteria present; however, it cannot eliminate it and the colostrum still needs to be handled appropriately. Any highly-contaminated colostrum should be discarded. Colostrum, as a first feed, is vital because it contains the immunoglobulins which we aim to get passed through the gut wall into the blood stream, essential to providing immunity. However, colostrum also contains higher levels of protein, fat and hormones than milk; feeding for a further 3 to 4 days can provide local protection making it more difficult for pathogens to attach to the gut wall and cause damage. In addition, Harold Hammon (2019) reported calves who received the most colostrum had better developed intestine/ villi. This provides a greater surface area in the digestive tract which will improve utilisation of nutrients fed. On occasion, sufficient, high-quality dam colostrum may not be available (or not be convenient to harvest quickly). Artificial colostrum can be used to either replace the colostrum feed or boost the quantity and/or quality of dam colostrum harvested. It is important, particularly for the first feed that this artificial colostrum is high quality (look to buy a product which will act as a replacement not a supplement). Wynnstay Nettex Gold colostrum is 100% UK-sourced, full-fat, puredried colostrum, which would be a suitable replacement. For further information or help with putting together farmspecific protocols contact a member of the Wynnstay Calf & Youngstock Team, in-store SQP or Animal Health Representative, visit www.wynnstayagriculture.co.uk for contact details.

Sammy Howorth

Calf & Youngstock Specialist Lancashire & Cumbria

m: 07810 444948 e: sammy.howorth@wynnstay.co.uk

@howorthcalf1

THE FIRST MEAL IS A BIG DEAL!

When discussing colostrum management, attention is often focused around the calf. However, to produce a quality-first feed we need to begin with the cow in her transition period. Dam colostrum contains farm-specific antibodies making it so valuable to the calves on that farm - providing protection against the pathogens they are most likely to encounter. Diet and management of the dry cow directly influences the quality of colostrum she is able to produce.

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A BESPOKE HEALTH PACKAGE EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE FROM WYNNSTAY Wynnguard is a bespoke health package concept – unique to Wynnstay. It is the ultimate additive for calf health and performance, now available in our range of milks and Start n Wean feed, offering your calves total digestive tract protection. The package differs slightly in milks than in the starter feed – working with the calves’ developing digestive system. WYNNGUARD What is it? Wynnguard is an additive package, designed to promote calf health and growth, while ensuring performance targets are met. Wynnguard does this in two distinct ways: 1. By supporting the calf immune system as it transitions from passive immunity, provided by maternal anti-bodies (colostrum) to its own achieved immunity. 2. By protecting the digestive tract from pathogens and promoting rumen development during the transition from milk replacer to solid feed

WYNNGUARD in Calf Milk replacer Two components - Fibosel & Agrimos

They act as a prebiotic and positively shape the bacterial colonization of the gut by favouring beneficial bacterial species while also being able to bind and inhibit pathogenic bacteria. Since we know the dam’s colostrum, and the milk produced is meant to assist the new-born calf with its growth and maturation processes, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that some farmers report performance improvements if colostrum is fed longer than typically recommended, or if transition milk is included into early calf-feeding protocols. It’s this on-farm experience of the dam’s natural protective early milk that has guided the high inclusion of yeastderived mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) in WYNNGOLD milk replacer. MOS will mimic the action of BOS, aiding the development of beneficial gut bacteria as well as helping to control certain gastrointestinal pathogens such as E.coli, a common cause of neonatal calf diarrhoea. MOS provide alternate binding sites for pathogens – blocking them from colonising and exiting the calf without causing harm.

Fibosel: Yeast cell wall derived B-glucans:

WYNNGUARD - A BESPOKE HEALTH PACKAGE

Macrophages (white blood cells) have receptors which recognise these B-glucans in the digestive system of the calf causing them to increase their activity. Macrophages are involved in a number of reaction chains in an immune response: • Directly killing bacteria & viruses which infect gut/lung tissue • B & T cell secretion of non-specific immunoglobulins to bind and kill bacteria • B & T cell-specific anti-body production in response to infection or vaccination The inclusion of a premium source of exposed B-glucans supports the calf as it develops its own immune system without its mother, making it better equipped to deal with an immune challenge. Agrimos: Yeast cell wall derived mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS): Colostrum and to a lesser extent transition milk contain higher amounts of simple sugars, known as bovine-oligosaccharides (BOS). Although the presence of these oligosaccharides has been known for some time; the potential benefits for the calf are only now becoming understood.

WYNNGUARD in Startâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Wean calf starter 3 components â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Agrimos, Levucell SC & Butyrate.

A high inclusion of these prebiotic sticky sugars helps protect the gastrointestinal tract from pathogens during the transition to solid feed. As discussed above, the MOS will act as a prebiotic, favouring beneficial intestinal flora without being used as a substrate for pathogens. It will also bind and block pathogens, limiting pathogenic bacterial (e-coli, salmonella) development within the gastro-intestinal tract.

-150 -200

Ideal

Oxygen Scavenging

-350

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â&#x20AC;˘ Improved feed utilisation By consuming oxygen in the rumen, it favours faster colonisation of the microflora needed for feed digestion resulting in increased starter intake and higher average daily gain.

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Butyrate Butyrate is present in our Wynnguard starter package. It is shown to have widespread effects on: â&#x20AC;˘ Growth â&#x20AC;˘ Digestibility â&#x20AC;˘ Feed efficiency - function in digestive systems - especially mucosal epithelial cells Butyrate can enhance rumen development - stimulating rumen papillae development. Butyrate can also accelerate small intestinal development, which is critical for nutrient absorption and overall development of calves. It improves feed efficiency and protects calves against stresses from weaning and diarrhoea. Wynnguard is only available in Wynnstayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wynngold Milk Replacers and Start n Wean. If you have any questions on the Wynnguard health package please contact a member of our Calf & Youngstock Team.

Mark McFarland

Feed Ingredient Product Manager

Lallemand Animal Nutrition UK Ltd

m: 078 2722 8161 e: mmcfarland@lallemand.com www.lallemandanimalnutrition.com

WYNNGUARD - A BESPOKE HEALTH PACKAGE

â&#x20AC;˘ Development of healthier gut tissue and enhanced immune responsiveness

-100

-300

ODPEV KDUERULQJ IORUD

â&#x20AC;˘ Reduction in harmful pathogenic bacteria

-50

-250

Levucell SC: Rumen specific live yeast: LEVUCELL SC (Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-1077) was selected from over 1000 yeast strains for its beneficial activity in the rumen. With over 100 scientific communications regarding its modes of action and effects, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one of the most documented ruminant probiotics on the market. Wide variety of modes of action. These benefits can include, but are not limited to:

Bad

Oxygen levels

Redox potential (mV)

Agrimos: Yeast cell wall derived mannan-oligosaccharides(MOS):

FOCUS ON CALVES 2019

Control

WYNNSTAY AGRICULTURE

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COST IMPLICATIONS OF IMBALANCED FINISHING RATIONS With high numbers of dairy x beef calves entering the beef chain (and the current beef price not setting the world alight), it is important to consider potential finishing rations and their cost implications. When it comes to finishing beef rations, the true costs per kg LWG should be understood, in order to be able to maximise income over all costs, and profitability. There is always the pressure to reduce bought-in feeds, which are typically the biggest input in a finishing system, with the aim to reduce costs. Many also still feed high levels of relatively low digestibility feeds such as grass silages or wholecrop, which bulk out a diet but don’t convert as efficiently into liveweight gain. Over-relying on feeds such as potatoes or by-products high in oil is easy to do when they carry high ME value at low fresh weight cost. However they can cause digestive upsets if the total oil is too high and not balanced with sufficient digestible fibre. It is always tempting to include high levels of these type products; however care needs to be taken to look at the source of energy in the feed so as not to overload on oil or sugar as an energy source and impact DMI and feed conversion efficiency (FCE).

COST IMPLICATIONS OF IMBALANCED FINISHING RATIONS

When evaluating which feeds to include for energy, always work out £/MJ ME on a DM basis, but remember the source of this energy is just as important (starch, sugar, oil or fibre) in getting the overall ration balance right and true value for money. A poorly-balanced diet will impact feed conversion efficiency, and the true cost of feeding ‘cheaper’ options actually results in lower income. When you take the increased finishing time and additional labour and housing costs into account, it makes this strategy much less profitable.

It is important to have sufficient fibre and rumen degradable protein in the diets, as a lack of digestible fibre will mean high starch feeds are more likely to cause acidosis and associated reduced FCE. Typically, the aim is at least 15% forage fibre such as straw or silage, and ensure the free oil is < 4% so not to inhibit essential fibre digesting bacteria and cause reduced rumen function. However, due to the rumen health benefits of Maxammon grain, trial work has shown the forage DM element can be as low as 8%, rather than the typical 15%, without impacting rumen health. This also allows more space in the ration for energy dense feed, driving FCE off the same total DMI, and therefore reducing the cost/kg LWG and returning greater finishing period profitability. Protein in a finishing diet is also an important aspect. A limited supply of rumen degradable protein (RDP) will limit frame growth and rumen health, even in finishing cattle. Feed the right type of protein and correctly balance with starch at ~3:1, for example Maxammon treated wheat, which is a rumen friendly high starch and protein feed, adding 4.3% RDP and ~£30/T feed value. Trial work shows the treatment also makes the fibre more digestible, increasing the NDF digestibility, as well as having a pH of 8.8 which helps maintain rumen health. This drives feed conversion efficiency, and trial work indicates a higher ME value than most other concentrates due to this. An underperforming finishing ration, too high in forage fill or oily feeds for example, will not capitalise on genetic potential of the animals and can be costly, due to low FCR and extended finishing times. Just a 10% reduction in DMI, can mean ~0.35kg/d less LWG, extending finishing time by 25 days. This could equate to £47/head off the margin over feed by the end of finishing. It is important to get the balance right with finishing rations, as this is the basis to maximising profitability. For more details on finishing rations and Maxammon Grain, please contact a member of our Dairy Technical Team who can advise you on the best solutions for your needs.

Bethany May

Dairy Specialist

m: 07771 740857 e: bethany.may@wynnstay.co.uk

WYNNSTAY AGRICULTURE

FOCUS ON CALVES 2019

HEIFERS MUST BE THE CORRECT BODY SIZE, AS WELL AS AGE, AT FIRST CALVING

Getting Body Size Right: In addition to getting the timing right, it is also important to get the body size right. Heifers must calve at the right body weight – at first calving heifers should weigh 85 to 90% of mature body weight. If heifers calve down at lighter weights, they have a higher risk of calving difficulties, but they must also continue to grow to a greater extent after calving and this nutrient demand for growth will be at the expense of their fertility. To achieve both the target calving age and body weight, heifers must be well grown throughout the rearing period to ensure they weigh 55 to 60% of mature body weight at first breeding at 13 to 14 months of age.

Achieving Targets: To ensure heifers have adequate body size at first calving, growth should be maximised during the milk feeding period when the ability to convert feed into growth most effectively is at its highest. During the milk feeding period, a calf has a feed conversion rate of about 50% (i.e. 100g of feed = 50g of growth). As a guide, to achieve a growth rate of 800g per day, a calf would need to consume a total of 1600g of feed per day (e.g. 900g milk solids plus 700g starter feed = a total of 1600g). The feed conversion rate is however influenced by many management and environmental factors such as colostrum, environmental temperature, housing and disease status. For example, cold weather, wet beds and disease will all require a calf to use more of its feed nutrients to keep warm and support its immune system, meaning less feed is available to convert into growth.

Setting Targets: A growth rate of 0.7 to 0.8kg per day is generally recommended within the industry to achieve first calving at 24 months – but it is important to set a target growth rate for heifers on your farm, based on the mature body weight of cows within the herd. Use the table below to calculate a growth rate target – you must know the mature body weight of cows in your herd (this is the weight of your cows in lactation 3, 100 to 120 days in milk). The mature body weight of Holstein-Friesian cows can vary considerably according to selection policy, so the mature body weight of cows within the herd must be measured. Target

Example information

Age at 1st calving

24 months

13 - 14 months Age at 1st breeding (age at 1st (in calf by 15 calving minus 11 months) months) Mature weight of cows (measure at lactation 3+)

Insert your herd data here

Calving at 23 to 25 months minimises the non-productive stage of life but also results in improved udder health, better fertility, more milk and increased longevity. Based on the dataset of 396,000 heifers, the mean age at first calving for heifers in the UK was 29 months, with 40% calving for the first time at 30 months or older. There is therefore a huge opportunity to reduce the age at first calving and improve heifer performance. However in order for this to be successful targets must be set and a proactive approach from day one is essential to ensure every heifer enters the herd at 24 months with the correct body size.

660kg

Jessica Cook

Weight at 1st breeding (multiply 660 x 0.55 = mature weight by 55%) 363kg Weight gain required (body 363 – 40 = weight at 1st breeding minus 323kg birth weight of 40kg) Average daily gain required up to 323 kg/13 1st breeding (weight gain required months = 0.8 divided by age at 1st breeding) kg/d

Young Animal Technical Specialist Volac International Reference: Eastham NT, Coates A, Cripps P, Richardson H, Smith R and Oikonomou G (2018) Associations between age at first calving and subsequent lactation performance in UK Holstein and Holstein-Friesian dairy cows. PLOS ONE https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0197764

HEIFERS MUST BE THE CORRECT BODY SIZE, AS WELL AS AGE, AT FIRST CALVING

Holstein-Friesian heifers calving at 23 to 25 months of age have been shown to outperform later calving cows in terms of fertility, milk production and survival over their first 5 years of life. Recent research based on a large UK dataset of 396,000 pedigree Holstein and Holstein-Friesian heifers has provided further evidence to support first calving at 22 to 25 months1. A lower calving age was associated with a reduced calving interval and reduced somatic cell count in lactation1, an increased lifetime daily milk yield, and an increased chance of calving for a second time1. Heifers calving at 24 months had a mean daily lifetime yield of 14.9 kg, compared to animals calving at 36 months with a mean daily lifetime yield of only 12.8 kgs1.

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MAKING YOUNGSTOCK REARING STACK UP The cost of growing beef for finishing, the store cattle market or for rearing dairy replacement heifers, can put huge financial pressure on your business. Whatever system employed, realising a sustainable profit once all costs are considered can be challenging. With increasing fixed costs, an ever-uncertain political landscape and opportunity cost of the assets used, it is as important as ever that operators remain as efficient as possible to generate profit. The system It is crucial that the right system is in place for the cattle and facilities available; from an end market point of view but also nutritionally. Once weaned, the genetic potential of the animal will play a significant role in its ability to convert feed to meat and if fed the wrong type of diet, the cattle will grow, but often not profitably, with carcasses too small or too old to get the most from the market. Tweaking nutrition to the breed and the end market, it is possible to generate the most margin for from the system maximising throughput.

that a saving of £169/head can be made on heifers if they calve two months earlier, where there is no compromise in heifer weights at first calving. Therefore, investing a portion of that £169/head in infrastructure or additional feed to realise this gain will easily show returns In beef systems, growth rates need to be monitored and maximised within the system to get the most return. By reducing the time it takes to rear each animal to a point of finishing, throughput can be maximised and fixed costs can be diluted by more units of output. Similar to dairy replacements, this may mean investment in feed to realise faster growth rates

MAKING YOUNGSTOCK REARING STACK UP

Forage quality Increasing the quality of forage used in youngstock rearing systems will mean more can be fed to achieve the desired growth rates, without increasing costs significantly. Improving the quality of youngstock silage can often be hard, as its often designated to them due to its poorer quality, but if the silage won’t achieve the desired milk yield in dairy cows, it won’t achieve target growth rates as easily for youngstock. Opting for shorter cutting intervals (4-5 weeks), getting the crop dry (over 30%DM) and well consolidated in the clamp or in bales are the main areas to focus on. By increasing the quality of grass silage by 1 unit of ME, there is potential to increase daily liveweight gain by up to 200g, which could add up to cattle meeting target weight months earlier. Monitor performance Weighing cattle is the ultimate way to identify weaknesses in youngstock rearing systems. By periodically monitoring calf and cattle weights, decisions can be made on weaker individuals and groups. From this, improvements can be made accordingly. It also gives the chance to improve accuracy of any vaccinations or treatments used, along with comparisons between breeds or identify where cost savings can be made. Growth rates In almost every situation, maximising growth rates makes the most economic sense. The ability to capture gains from epigenetics and improved animal health from elevated levels of nutrition are well documented. Simply from a pure return on investment stance, maximising growth rates is a way to increase profitability. Whether rearing dairy replacements, or rearing to finish, the faster the animal gets to the point of generating income for your business, the more chance it has of realising profit.

Using the right genetics for the system along with balanced nutrition, forms the foundation of profitable youngstock rearing. Maximising growth rates through good animal health and stockmanship, along with performance monitoring will help realise the potential from youngstock rearing systems and realise as much profit as possible.

Mark Price

Dairy Specialist - Midlands

m: 07876 824314 e: mark.price@wynnstay.co.uk

A study carried out by the Royal Veterinary College concluded

@m_priceo

WYNNSTAY AGRICULTURE

FOCUS ON CALVES 2019

CALF MEAL SIZE - IS IT TIME TO RE-THINK CURRENT STRATEGIES? Current research has focused on feeding calves an elevated plane of nutrition during the preweaning period. Research has shown multiple benefits to this choice of calf management programme, including increased average daily gains, early onset of puberty, improved longevity and potential for higher milk production in the future. In the past, it was common belief and practice to restrict calves to 2L of milk or milk replacer per meal, due to concerns that abomasal overload risks milk entering the rumen. However, this presumption has little scientific basis. There are also some commonly-discussed concerns when feeding larger volumes of milk to young calves when it is split over a small number of feeds. It is thought feeding elevated planes of nutrition may impact on digestion and metabolism, and may have detrimental effects that persist post-weaning. These effects may include impaired insulin sensitivity. Calves are essentially born monogastric. As the rumen develops it becomes less desirable for the lactose-rich milk to enter as it can change the pH and microbiota, which can cause digestive problems and reduce growth. Until now it has been presumed that the capacity of the abomasum is around 2L and that therefore milk meal size should reflect this.

of lactose in their diet. Importantly though, blood glucose and insulin concentrations in these calves fed a high level of milk replacer returned to baseline within 6 hours, demonstrating that insulin sensitivity is not impaired by plane of nutrition, and calves fed large meals can regulate glucose metabolism. At 4, 7 and 10 weeks of age there were no differences between the two groups of calves and their glucose metabolism. Furthermore there were no differences in glucose metabolism before or after weaning noted in either group of calves. Therefore we can conclude that calves fed an elevated plane of milk replacer did not have decreased insulin sensitivity pre- or post-weaning, and as such had increased growth rates compared to calves fed on a conventional plane of nutrition.

Time to rethink calf feeding strategies However, this is outdated thinking. Dr Michael Steele, Assistant Professor University of Alberta, Canada presented data from Ellingsen et al. (2016) reporting that three-weekold calves will voluntarily consume up to 6.8L of warm whole milk in one meal without milk entering the rumen or any indications of abdominal pain or discomfort. This enhances the data that confirms the abomasum has a high capacity to accommodate fluids significantly greater than 2L at a time. Insulin is an important hormone for controlling glucose levels within the calf; especially important for growth. In response to increased glucose levels in the blood, for example after a meal, insulin is secreted from the pancreas. This is a key bodily function to utilise glucose for energy by the liver, and to build body fat and muscle. Insulin maintains glucose levels within the normal physiological range to prevent blood sugar levels from getting too high or too low; but in order to do this the body has to remain sensitive to the actions of insulin and not become resistant, which may happen with prolonged periods of increased blood glucose levels. Decreased insulin sensitivity in calves could lead to reduced efficiency of protein and energy utilisation and may predispose calves to metabolic disease later in life. Trouw Nutrition R&D has completed a study, as part of the LifeStart programme, to further investigate the relationship between milk replacer intake and insulin and glucose kinetics. In this study the calves on the higher plane of nutrition (8L of milk replacer vs. 4L of milk replacer) had greater basal glucose levels and higher glucose and insulin concentrations after eating. This was to be expected as these calves were receiving a two-fold greater concentration

Pre-weaning, calves do not yet have a functional rumen; therefore milk passes directly into the abomasum due to closure of the oesophageal groove. Abomasal (gastric) emptying is important for controlling the glucose level in the bloodstream; if the abomasum empties quickly following a large meal then there could be a large influx of glucose into the bloodstream. This may require higher levels of insulin secretion in order for the glucose to be utilised effectively and could result in prolonged periods of high insulin and glucose, affecting sensitivity to insulin. In this study, calves fed elevated levels of milk replacer had a slower abomasal emptying rate than the calves fed lower amounts of milk replacer. This is thought to be an adaptive mechanism of the calf to increased levels of milk replacer, thus regulating and stabilising blood metabolite levels Conclusions Feeding calves on an elevated plane of nutrition (8L milk replacer vs. 4L of milk replacer in two meals per day) has significant pre-weaning advantages. The increased preweaning growth has been shown to increase overall lifetime performance, without the proposed adverse effects. Georgina Thomas

Ruminant Technical Manager Trouw Nutrition

CALF MEAL SIZE - IS IT TIME TO RE-THINK CURRENT STRATEGIES?

Why has meal size been previously restricted?

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RESPONSIBLE MINERAL NUTRITION FOR YOUNGSTOCK Whether our aim is to improve growth from our youngstock, improve feed conversion rates of our beef animals, or to just simply produce more milk from dairy cows, one sure way to enhance this is by increasing nutrient utilisation. This is a free tool - we just need to learn how to use it to our advantage.

RESPONSIBLE MINERAL NUTRITION FOR YOUNGSTOCK

Copper is one of the essential trace elements required by cattle and has several functions as it’s an important component of enzymes. Enzymes are specialist proteins that perform specific functions within the body to assist or improve chemical reactions. They break down compounds into substances that the microbes can utilise as nutrient sources, ultimately allowing the animal to perform to its full potential. If this requirement is not met, then deficiency occurs. A lack of available copper can lead to poor growth, scouring, bone fractures, lack of pigmentation and anaemia. A deficiency can also impact on fertility.

Copper toxicity is becoming an increasing problem in cattle so careful formulation of diets is paramount, with extra consideration given to more susceptible breeds such as Jerseys and Blues and milk-fed calves. Supplementing copper from several sources, which on their own may not be excessive, can build up if combined and could potentially cause copper toxicity.

Copper toxicity is becoming an increasing problem in cattle so careful formulation of diets is paramount. One sign could be a delay or depression of first oestrus in a heifer. This has an important economic effect. If a heifer hasn’t calved by 24 months, each additional day costs an extra £2.87 per day in rearing costs alone. During my seven years with Wynnstay one discussion that will always remain with me was a farmer wanting to supplement his dry cows (dairy) with a trace element bolus containing copper. After asking a few more questions, I learnt that he bought his cow cake from one company, his minerals from another and wanted boluses from me. I then asked him if he had a nutritionist who formulated his diets. He replied he didn’t, he did them himself. After scrutinising the product labels and adding up the additional copper provided in the cake, minerals and boluses, we concluded that supplementing extra copper in the form of a bolus could potentially take them over the Maximum Permitted Levels (MPLs) as set by the European commission.

Copper toxicity is caused by a build-up of copper within the liver over a long period of time. Sudden deaths seem to be triggered by stressful events such as transport or a sudden dietary change. The sudden release of stored copper causes anaemia, weakness and depression, and in the latter stages of copper toxicity their urine turns a dark red colour. Dry cows in late pregnancy seem particularly susceptible. Monitoring copper levels to determine your farm’s copper status can be achieved by post mortem of barren cows and liver biopsies of milking cows, this will give a more sensitive and accurate result than blood testing. I came across an article by N.R. Kendall et al 2015, which really drove home how severe the implications of copper toxicity can be. Liver samples were collected from one abattoir over

WYNNSTAY AGRICULTURE

FOCUS ON CALVES 2019

One question we need to ask ourselves: “Who is nutritionally responsible for our cattle?” Supplementing additional copper

Requirements

Maximum Permitted Levels (MPL’s)

Calves (Pre ruminants)

10mg/kg DMI

17mg/kg DMI

Adult cows

20mg/kg DMI*

34mg/kg DMI

One question we need to ask ourselves: “Who is nutritionally responsible for our cattle?” For further help and support of your growing youngstock, please contact your regional Calf & Youngstock Specialist.

Sandy Wilson

*under normal conditions and in the absence of significant antagonists (NRC 2001, ACAF-2011, Regulation (EU) 2018/1039)

m: 07879 841672 e: sandy.wilson@wynnstay.co.uk @petticoatcalves

RESPONSIBLE MINERAL NUTRITION FOR YOUNGSTOCK

a three-day period. Information such as age, breed and geographical location were compared. The trial showed that dairy breeds had higher liver copper concentrations than beef breeds. Holstein-Friesian and ‘other’ dairy breeds had 38.3% and 40% of cattle above the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) reference range (8000 µmol/kg dry matter), whereas only 16.9% of animals in the combined beef breeds exceeded this value. Could this be because dairy cows are being fed a ‘higher plane’ of nutrition with additional copper supplemented via other sources, whereas beef breeds are fed a more simple and basic diet of silage. Over 50% of the liver samples that were tested had “greater than normal “ concentrations of copper with almost 40% of the female dairy cattle having liver copper concentrations above the AHVLA reference range, which clearly demonstrates that a high proportion of the UK herds are at risk of chronic copper toxicity! The trial also demonstrated that age of the animal was not a contributing factor to copper toxicity.

All sources of copper need to be accurately estimated before extra supplementation is considered. This includes sources from injections, grass, mineral buckets, forages, boluses compounds, straights, minerals, mineral blocks and not forgetting water, to ensure diets are not in excess. Copper supplementation should be regularly assessed by you, your nutritional adviser and your vet. However, should extra copper need to be supplemented over the NRC guidelines, a full risk assessment should only be carried out by your vet in the first instance.

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THERE’S MORE TO COLOSTRUM THAN PASSIVE IMMUNITY The importance of a colostrum to a calf is well known and can’t be over stated. Guaranteeing a calf receives an adequate amount of good-quality colostrum soon after birth, is one of the most important things to ensure strong, healthy growth and will have a major impact on farm profitability. Calves are born with no circulating antibodies, so before their immune system becomes fully functional, they are totally reliant on the antibodies, particularly IgG, and other immune factors present in good quality colostrum. These should reflect the pathogen profile of the local farm environment together with antibodies resulting from the maternal vaccination.

THERE’S MORE TO COLOSTRUM THAN PASSIVE IMMUNITY

However as more research is done on the affects and composition of colostrum, we are getting a greater understanding of the wide range of beneficial effects that this complex fluid has on the calf. An immediate and easily metabolised energy source is a vital requirement for a calf immediately after birth. Thermoregulation, standing and feeding are energy intensive. Without an available supply, the calf’s natural activity will be hindered, and development of organs and physiological systems delayed. Maternal colostrum has almost twice the fat content of normal milk and is a major source of this allimportant energy for the new-born calf. These fat levels have an additional role in neonatal nutrition. They allow higher levels of transport of the important fatsoluble vitamins, Retinol, ß Carotene and α-Tocopherol. Calves receiving maternal colostral fat have been shown to obtain higher serum levels of these vitamins compared with calves receiving a colostrum supplement or replacer using an alternative fat source. Further studies show that insufficient colostrum intake can result in low ß Carotene and α-Tocopherol levels for weeks after birth. In addition to fat and antibodies, maternal colostrum also contains other constituents to aid neonatal development.

Growth factors are hormone-like proteins that can have direct beneficial affects on organ development. In particular Insulin-like Growth Factors (IGF) act on specific receptors on intestinal cells leading to improved gut development. This in turn improves nutrition and productivity in the first weeks of life. Components such as lactoferrin, lysozyme and lactoperoxidase can have a direct antimicrobial action aiding the protection against infection, as can active leucocytes (white blood cells) although the function of the latter is not fully understood. This complexity of colostrum demonstrates why the quality is such a significant factor in giving the calf an effective start. Hopefully the cow will be producing a sufficient volume, rich in all the important constituents and with a high antibody content. It’s also critical that the calf is able to suckle quickly after birth. However, on farm, situations are not always ideal. Some cows can produce lower quality colostrum that will not be adequate for the calf. This can be seen in heifers and certain breeds. A short dry period can also affect quality, as can the condition and nutritional status of the mother. IgG levels can vary widely, and it’s considered that levels below 50mg/ml are inadequate, so it’s important to access the level of each individual batch. A Colostrometer measures the specific gravity of the colostrum and is calibrated to indicate the level of antibodies. This can provide a useful estimate, but a Brix refractometer can provide a more accurate measure, with good colostrum scoring over 22%.

AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL WYNNSTAY STORE

WYNNSTAY AGRICULTURE

Bovine Refractometer

73679

• Enables management of colostrum quality and its feeding practices on farm • Hand-held device • Time-efficient analysis

FOCUS ON CALVES 2019

all of its natural constituents. Nettex Colostrum Gold is safe, effective, convenient and is available to use when you need it, at any time of night or day. New Nettex Double Strength: This is a concentrated highprotein, full-fat colostrum supplement with added vitamins, minerals and trace elements to give calves a strong start. Ideal for herds where calf development is key.

ONLY

£25.50

It is because the mother can’t always provide good quality colostrum, or it can’t be collected and fed immediately after birth, that colostrum replacers and supplements play an important part in new-born calf management. If a supply is kept on farm, it is immediately available to use at any time of day or night if there are concerns the calf can’t get enough good-quality colostrum from its mother. This year, Nettex has launched a new and improved range Calf Colostrum, providing a choice of products to suit every farm’s situation. All contain full-fat maternal colostrum, sourced exclusively from high-health status, TB-free, UK herds, meaning it is complementary to UK farm environments. The raw colostrum is frozen at source and then dried using a unique process preserving all of the components of natural colostrum. This produces a unique, high quality colostrum product that is high in protein, colostral fat and growth factors, as well as being tested for both safety and efficacy.

Nettex Calf Colostrum: This is an easy-to-use colostrum supplement that gives reliable support whenever needed. It is ideal for keeping on hand so quick and effective supplementation can be implemented straight away.

NEW Nettex Calf Colostrum Gold: This is colostrum the way nature intended. It is 1100% UK full-fat colostrum, retaining

Nettex has launched a new Calf Colostrum range, providing a choice of products to suit every farm’s situation

Nick White

Senior Product Manager- Animal Health

m: 07788 728118 e: nick.white@wynnstay.co.uk

All prices exclude VAT and are valid until 31st August 2019.

THERE’S MORE TO COLOSTRUM THAN PASSIVE IMMUNITY

The calf’s ability to absorb antibodies reduces quickly after birth. It’s therefore critical that it receives sufficient colostrum, at least 3L, as soon after birth as possible. Ideally within two hours but at least within 6 hours. If the calf is not able to stand and feed from the mother, then feeding via a teat, or stomach tube for calves not sucking well can be used to ensure this critical time is not missed.

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WHAT’S NEW IN CALF REARING? Calf rearing is a forever-changing topic as we constantly learn and improve how calves are reared. Below is a summary of what’s new in calf rearing, some hot topics and buzzwords. Osmolality of calf milk replacer

Water Quality

Osmolality of milk powder is being talked about across the industry and is something that is very important to calf health and performance but it needs a proper introduction, so we can fully understand its implications.

Something that isn’t often discussed is the quality of the water that is fed to calves, both as drinking water and via the milk replacer. Water is the most important nutrient for calves as it features all of life’s processes such as transport of nutrients, digestion, metabolism, elimination of waste, and is also critical for rumen development. However, water quality for calves is often overlooked. Water is the most important nutrient for calves as it features in all of life’s processes; such as transport of nutrients, digestion, metabolism, elimination of waste, and is also critical for rumen development. Poor water can impact consumption, starter intake, health, and the value of milk replacer and electrolytes.

Osmolality is the concentration of solute particles in a solution - and is calculated by adding the concentrations of sugars and minerals in mOsm/kg of solvent. Lactose content in calf milk replacer (CMR) is the main contributor to the final osmolality value. CMRs with elevated levels of osmolality can damage gut integrity, increase the risk of abomasal bloat (because of slower gastric emptying) and exacerbate diarrhoea severity in sick calves, calves fed once per day on an increased concentration are especially at risk. To maintain gut integrity, it is thought that calves are better receiving a higher volume rather than a higher concentration of milk replacer. Therefore, it is recommended that the concentration of milk powder does not exceed 175g/L and recommend CMR to be of 135g/L-150g/L in between 6-10L. There is no difference in glucose tolerance high volume fed and low volume fed dairy calves at 4, 7, or 10 weeks of age. Feeding dairy calves an elevated plane of nutrition in 2 meals of milk replacer per day does not decrease insulin sensitivity. Also feeding larger meal sizes has been shown not to have any effect on stool consistency.

Providing calves with clean fresh water is an integral part of their nutrition.

WHAT’S NEW IN CALF REARING?

Osmolality levels: risk factor for calf scour

Water hardness can have a big impact on calf health - calves are sensitive to sodium! Water that is hard or water that has been through a softener, can lead to neurological and central nervous system derangement. Osmolality of water can vary depending on its source (mains, borehole etc). If the calves are on an accelerated feed programme ensuring the water is osmotically balanced is vital. It is recommended that water that is used for calves is tested annually, for mineral content, osmolality and bacteria. E.Coli and Salmonella can be present in poor water and can cause an outbreak, especially if the water has been soiled in. Water with a high iron content is at increased risk of salmonella contamination. Providing calves with clean fresh water is an integral part of their nutrition.

WYNNSTAY AGRICULTURE

FOCUS ON CALVES 2019

fed a high protein/low fat diet are often less efficient per KG of DLWG as they have to convert the protein as an energy source. There is a requirement to have enough energy from fat and sugar to fuel growth and development of the mammary tissue and reproductive tract. Calf rearing is an ever-evolving topic, and we are learning more all of the time and striving for excellence is an integral part of building a successful, profitable future herd.

Electrolytes- what do we need to know? There has been much debate recently on mixing electrolytes into milk but this is a huge no-no. Based on what we discussed above on osmolality, adding electrolyte solution to milk or milk replacer will change the osmolality of the solution, and in turn could actually exacerbate scour rather that help the calf overcome it.

• Milk feed AM • Electrolyte feed Midday

Wynnstay Elixir is the first in a range of Energized Calf Milk (ECM) products designed to revolutionise the way we feed calves. ECM has been designed to support the LifeStart objectives: OPTIMAL DEVELOPMENT

• Milk feed PM • Electrolyte feed evening

RESILIENCE TO DISEASE

With calf scour, it is often the dehydration that will kill the calf not the disease itself, so by keeping a calf properly hydrated with care and attention, death from scour can be reduced as well as reducing the duration of an incidence of scour.

LONGEVITY If you have any questions about any of the topics discussed in this article, contact your local Calf & Youngstock Specialist who can answer your questions.

High-energy diets - “Energized calf milk” With the release of our new milk powder Elixir, which is an energized calf milk, we should know why higher energy diets are working so well. Fats are key for digestion and the health of a calf. Fat in CMR is comprised of short, medium and long chain fatty acids, a more diverse profile than whole milk. The structure of these fats depends on how well a powder is digested. New-borns digest short and medium fatty acids more efficiently than longer chain fatty acids - with calves developing the ability to utilise the longer chain fatty acids after about 3 weeks of age. In calf rearing, energy is often a limiting factor to calf growth and development, and calves

Jess Charlton

Calf & Youngstock Specialist Shropshire, Cheshire, Staffordshire & N. Wales

m: 07990 584740 e: jess.charlton@wynnstay.co.uk

@charltoncalf1

WHAT’S NEW IN CALF REARING?

Always feed electrolytes separately to milk or CMR. The most current advice is to continue feeding milk as normal - do not remove the milk feed. The milk feed gives calves the energy and calories it needs to overcome a bout of scour and to effectively utilise the salts and sugars in the electrolyte feed. A suggested recommended feeding protocol is as follows:

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DENGROVE FARM CALF-REARING FOCUS ‘WE AIM TO REAR 1000 CALVES BY 2020’

DENGROVE FARM CALF REARING FOCUS- ‘WE AIM TO REAR 1000 CALVES BY 2020’

Those who have worked with me know my opinion regarding beef and dairy calves - a calf is a calf! Whether beef or dairy, it should be reared to the highest standard, and the first 3 months is when they are most feed-efficient, therefore enhancing higher daily liveweight gains. Nutrition is not the only area we should focus on, we also have to consider health and housing in order to maximise calf performance. For dairy farmers, beef calves can often be second best, and often, understandably so! After all - heifer calves mean future milk in the tank. And keeping all of your beef calves means considering: reduction in shed space for heifers, poor ventilation, the use of dump milk or cost and practicality of using milk replacer! Not to mention the dreaded TB.

Dengrove Farm Messrs Isgar are a partnership of two sons Dom, Stephen and their fathers, located near Shaftesbury. Dengrove Farm consists of 270 acres, 200 acres of arable and 70 acres of grassland. 850 calves are reared per year, with 800 reared and sold as weaned calves around 5 months old, and the remaining 50 turned out to graze, then sold at stores at 16 months old.

For dairy farmers, beef calves can often be second best, and often, understandably so!

However, in the last few years, we have increasingly seen farmers investing in dairy x beef calves. As a result of these calves being well fed, calf rearers are seeing healthy, profitable calves, finishing well for meat production.

Sourcing the correct calf is vital when rearing calves, a task that Dom Isgar knows too well. Hereford and Angus calves are sourced from local markets via a calf dealer and others direct from the farm. It is not difficult to see why Herefords and Angus are the breeds of choice for Dengrove Farm. They have a quality carcase, desirable, docile nature and potential for market premiums. Being a native breed also allows them to utilise the grassland they have available on farm. As with all calf rearers, they require a calf that’s had adequate colostrum, is disease-free and is roughly 45/50kg at 2/3 weeks. With the stress of the markets, haulage and sourcing from various farms there is a higher risk for respiratory disease. It is vital that there are protocols set for when the calves arrive at Dengrove Farm. No matter what time the calf arrives on farm, it is always offered a milk feed a few hours after arrival, whether this is mid-day or midnight. Also, within these protocols are vaccinations, the calves receive Rispoval ® + PI3 intranasal within 24 hours of arrival, a health plan that is farm-specific and collated with their vet. Calves are grouped in pens of 5, according to size and age, making it easier to feed from a milkbar 5-teat feeder system, alongside a Wydale Mixer Trolley. Although being a simple and some say a more labour-intensive method, a milkbar system across 40 pens makes light work when a routine is in place. Dom and Stephen are generally responsible for the feeding of the calves; it takes around an hour and a half to feed, bed and water the pens of calves.

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is controlled by three separate factors – fresh air, moisture and air speed. Ideally with the desire to expand in numbers, more shed space is required especially if the sheds are to be disinfected and rested. Igloos have been considered to fit this system, allowing 12-14 calves to be reared in batches, moved around and cleaned out thoroughly. Options to consider computerised feeders? Although this would decrease labour, Messrs Isgar believe they have a simple and solid system in place without the need to invest. However, with the desire to increase numbers it would also increase the labour. Dom Isgar likes the idea of the consistency of feeding, allowing calves to feed more frequently with smaller feeds but consuming a larger volume, mimicking natural feeding behaviour. Maybe one to think about for the future with possible grants. And lastly, achieve higher ADG’S, through improved nutrition and attention to detail, Dengrove Farm have already seen an increase in average daily gains, with an increase of 15%. However, there is always room for improvement. Our next steps here are to increase litres fed per calf, whilst monitoring growth and cost, to achieve the most economically-viable system.

Since supplying Dengrove Farm with Wynngold Swift, a 21% protein 19% oil milk replacer they have seen an increase in DLWG’s by 15%. Previously they had been using a powder with lower oil levels and less digestible ingredients, therefore the calves were not able to utilise nutrients in order to gain weight, let alone maintain health. Messrs Isgar have had an increase in 0.17kg per day, this is just changing milk replacer and remaining at their previous feed rate, this being 150g/L in 2.5L per feed, final mix rate at 750g over 5L. ‘We are pleased with results from changing powder, the powder mixes well, leaves very little sediment, the calves are performing well, they have excellent fleshing and shine to their coat.’ Calves are weighed on arrival and again when weaned at 8 weeks. As mentioned before, calves come in at 45 -50kg, they will stay on milk for 35 days, fed 750g over 5L, to achieve daily gains of 0.7/0.8kg. ‘We are looking at increasing the feed rate to 900g/6L, we know that the more we feed our calves the more they will gain, providing it is palatable and highly digestible. This will then allow us to achieve an optimum DLWG of 0.8/0.9 DLWG.’ Although the system has proven to be working well, Messrs Isgar are always looking for ways to improve their system. Firstly, they would like to source the majority of their calves direct from farm, this would reduce the stress factor of calves from market and mixing of several calves from various sources. It would also allow better management of colostrum intake and the calves disease history.

Millie Hendy

Calf & Youngstock Specialist Gloucestershire, Avon & Midlands

Sheds have been renovated to fit the system. Calf health and performance can be improved by correcting weaknesses in existing calf housing. The environment in livestock sheds

m: 07717 495746 e: millie.hendy@wynnstay.co.uk

@hendycalf1

DENGROVE FARM CALF REARING FOCUS- ‘WE AIM TO REAR 1000 CALVES BY 2020’

Dom Isgar of Dengrove Farm says: “We are pleased with results from changing powder; the Wynngold Swift mixes well, leaves very little sediment, the calves are performing well and they have excellent ﬂeshing and shine to their coat.”

FOCUS ON CALVES 2019

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ELIXIR – A REVOLUTION IN EARLY LIFE NUTRITION Wynnstay’s Elixir Energized Calf Milk has been developed with whole milk as the biological reference; the best of whole milk combined with the best of calf milk replacer. Speciﬁcally formulated for optimal development, resilience to disease and improved longevity, ELIXIR is a revolution in early life nutrition. Wynnstay Elixir is the first in a range of Energized Calf Milk (ECM) products designed to transform the way we feed calves. ECM has been designed to support the LifeStart objectives: •

Optimal Development

•

Resilience To Disease

•

Longevity

Consider osmolality levels – a risk for calf scour Lactose content in CMR is the main contributor to the final osmolality value. CMRs with elevated levels of osmolality can damage gut integrity, increase the risk of abomasal bloat (because of slower gastric emptying) and exacerbate diarrhoea severity in sick calves. We have therefore ensured that the osmolality level of ECM is closer to that of whole milk at 350mOsm/kg.

ELIXIR – A REVOLUTION IN EARLY LIFE NUTRITION – WHAT DO WE KNOW?

Osmolality measures the concentration of solute particles in a solution and is calculated by adding the concentrations of sugars and minerals in mOsm/kg of solvent. Whilst whole milk has an osmolality if 300-330 mOsm/kg, calf milk replacers typically have an osmolality of 400-600mOsm/kg. Calf milk replacers with elevated levels of osmolality can: 1. Damage gut integrity 2. Increase the risk of abomasal bloat 3. Exacerbate diarrhoea severity in sick calves A scientific paper published by Wilms et al. (2019) in the Journal Of Dairy Science, investigated increasing osmolality of calf milk replacer and looking into the effects of gastrointestinal permeability. In the 24-h urine collection period, they observed elevations of about 20 to 30% in lactulose and Cr-EDTA recovery between calves fed milk replacers with an osmolality increasing from 439 to 611 mOsm/kg. These permeability tests are indicative of macroscopic mucosal damages, concluding hypertonicity of milk replacer can be considered as a potential risk factor for calf health.

The key benefits of energized calf milk versus calf milk replacer

A 400 cow spring block herd, located near Shaftesbury had been using the same powder for the past 5 years, although performance was good there was room for improvement with both daily live weight gains and overall calf health. Elixir is a new concept to the milk powder market, with the likeness of whole milk, but in the form and practicality of a milk replacer. Calves on the system are fed milk replacer from day 2 until 12 weeks of age. They are fed in groups of 5 until 3 weeks, before moving to groups of 20-40. Calves are fed 8L of milk replacer a day, spilt in 2 feeds, along with barley straw and access to grass from 2 weeks of age - no concentrates are fed. This emphasises the milk feeding phase, taking into consideration that the first 3 months are the most beneficial and calves are most feed efficient. Calves must be able to utilise the milk replacer in order to obtain good daily live weights gains, therefore it is crucial to ensure the replacer is highly digestible. Elixir is 100% dairy protein, 50% skim with 25% oil and 22.5% protein inclusion. Growth rates have been compared year on year and calves this year have excelled. They have been two weeks ahead of calves fed on the previous milk replacer. Although calves were reaching higher weights earlier, feeding protocols remained until 12 weeks, with an average of DLWG of 1.3KG. The highest recorded weight was 149.5kg at 11 weeks of age, and nothing was weaned below 120kg. “We have been extremely impressed with our change to Elixir. We were previously weaning calves at 95KG at 12 weeks. We have seen a noticeable difference in our calves’

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300 200

000

Heifer growth weights 2019 – Wynngold Elixir

Target Weight Body Weight Mean

100

6 8 10 12 Age (m onths)

Heifer growth rates 2019

Body Weight (kg)

300 200 Target Weight Body Weight Mean

100 000

6 8 10 Age (m onths)

Millie Hendy

Calf & Youngstock Specialist Gloucestershire, Avon & Midlands

m: 07717 495746 e: millie.hendy@wynnstay.co.uk

@hendycalf1

ELIXIR – A REVOLUTION IN EARLY LIFE NUTRITION – WHAT DO WE KNOW?

Heifer growth weights 2018 – previous milk replacer

Heifer growth rates 2018

Body Weight (kg)

performance, not just by eye but also shown in weights, and the condition on the calves is outstanding. It speaks for itself! Quality at a competitive price. Only the best for your calves!’

FOCUS ON CALVES 2019

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A VET’S PERSPECTIVE With calf health being the buzzwords on farms across the country and many farmers paying particular attention to youngstock, it is more important than ever that vets, nutritionists and on-farm advisors are working together to deliver a clear message. Friars Moor Vets have 3 veterinary surgeries across Dorset, with an active youngstock discussion group. I spoke to Jenny Bellini and Lucy Hepworth who head up this discussion group about what they see to be the biggest challenge facing calves on farm today. “On many of our farms calf scour continues to be one of the most common health issues in calves. For our clients calf rearing can be a time consuming job, and maintaining good levels of hygiene can be a real challenge. Yet, a hygienic environment is fundamental to reducing disease in the calf whilst it acquires its immune system. But what is a hygienic environment for a calf? Fresh clean drinking water, clean milk feeders, forage available off the floor, a well-draining straw bed and a shed that has had a rest period to allow appropriate cleaning are all important factors. For all-year-round calving dairy herds, or calf rearers who can’t completely destock their sheds, it can seem impossible to properly clean a calf shed. Rearing calves elsewhere for one month of the year allows this to be achieved, as sheds can never be cleaned properly with calves still in them. Environments can be improved relatively cheaply to make cleaning easier and effective. Walls can be rendered or treated with a sealant, or rubber matting/parlour board can be applied to make a smooth surface easy to clean. Detergents are under used, but will help lift organic matter in the cleaning process. Disinfectants should then be used at the correct concentration and contact times. There are only a few specific disinfectants to target cryptosporidium and coccidia. Allowing a shed to properly dry allows maximum effect.

A VET’S PERSPECTIVE

Having a simple cleaning protocol that all staff follow for milk feeders will reduce transmission of scour pathogens to calves. Feeders should be cleaned after morning and evening feeds with hot water and detergent. If a farm can have a wash up facility near to the calf rearing area, this makes this more achievable.

When calf scour is common on a unit, staff can start to perceive mild scour as ‘normal’. Some of these calves may have a nutritional scour, but far more experience infections such as rotavirus or cryptosporidium. Nutritional scour should be completely preventable by checking the quality, digestibility mixing rate and osmolality of the calf milk replacer being fed.

Efficiency of calf rearing is becoming more relevant all the time. Efficiency can be measured by calf growth rates, calf mortality, % treatments for scour and pneumonia. Keeping records of treatments and losses is crucial to being able to understand your starting point and monitor changes. Research shows that calves that are ‘reared efficiently’ (meet target growth rates and are free from disease), grow into heifers that are more fertile, produce more milk and last longer in the herd. With youngstock rearing being the second biggest cost to a dairy, gains in efficiency can have significant savings. Striving for efficiency in calf rearing fits well within our aims as an industry of reducing antibiotic usage. In our experience working with our dedicated dairy youngstock and calf-rearer discussion groups, it is very productive to put time aside for specific visits to discuss calf rearing. Group meetings and anonymous benchmarking is hugely successful for motivating change in calf-rearing within our Dorset livestock practice.”

Lucy Hepworth

Jenny Bellini

Eimear Diamond

Calf & Youngstock Manager

m: 07881 379008 e: eimear.diamond@wynnstay.co.uk @diamondcalf1

WYNNSTAY AGRICULTURE

FOCUS ON CALVES 2019

CALF TEAM STUDY TOURS Bavaria

Our trip to Bavaria, Germany in early March had 3 main focuses; the use of Energised Calf Milk (ECM), the use of a straw TMR for calves pre and post weaning and the utilisation of the Fleckveih cow as a dual-purpose breed. The trip started with a visit to the Trouw milk powder factory where we could see the range offered to German farmers and the method of production. Here we also talked about the research behind ECM and the benefits realised on farm when using it. Following this the concept of using ECM for its comparability to whole milk and support of the lifetime performance of youngstock has become a popular choice in Germany where an acidified version is fed ad-lib. The powder is mixed warm but cools between feeds, therefore lowering the pH to 5.8 reducing the opportunity for a bacterial load to build up. Alongside the ad-lib ECM, all 3 farms we visited were offering a calf specific TMR in the place of the starter feed and straw we would see offered in the UK. The TMR was offered ad-lib in troughs and included maize, barley, soya, straw, molasses, minerals and linseed.

a starter nut had no benefit, and the positive effects of using calf coats, are more relevant in housing systems that are more open and liable to climatic change. A new purpose-built calf shed in its first months of use was our next stop. The unit was enclosed with gale breakers and was internally ventilated by a tube fan, incorporating 4 pens and 1 automatic feeder. The straw bedded floor was on a gradient sloping towards slats in the feed area. Seeing the design allowed us to pick out what was working well such as the air movement, the easy to clean concrete floors and walls and the drainage from the bedding. We could also identify potential for improvement; for instance, the slats were a great idea for keeping the feed area clean, but it was evident ammonia was given off by the pit below. Calving was in full flow at our final visit on a conventionally milked herd, again rearing calves on an automatic feeder after starting them in individual pens. Here the number of calves on the ground had over populated the feed stations so some were being bucket reared. The calves on this farm were thriving on either system and following a great discussion with the farmer and his wife it was evident their success could be put down to a rigid colostrum protocol and a high level of husbandry.

Pedigree Fleckveih cows were all we saw on all the farms we visited, being utilised for their dual-purpose ability to produce yields of over 10,000L in addition to more commercially viable bull calves which on the ad-lib ECM and Straw TMR system were growing to 100kg in just 5 weeks!

Northern Ireland

Next, we visited a 650-cow robotic dairy unit with a Forster Technik CalfRail in operation. The CalfRail allows calves to be automatically fed up to 8 times per day while remaining in individual pens. It was great to see one in action, as well as hear feedback from the farmer on trials with different feed frequency and portion size with the verdict of a 1.5L portion size working the best for him.

Take-home messages: 1. The use of ad-lib ECM is the closest way to mimic natural cow to calf feeding and accelerate growth rates in both bull calves and replacement heifers. 2. Calves should be bedded IN straw not ON straw. 3. Housing has a huge impact on calf health with the main things to consider being â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ventilation, drainage and opting for surfaces that are easy to clean and disinfect. 4. Automated calf-feeding technology is a great tool for the industry and can increase productivity, but these advantages are only exploited when all other challenges effecting the calfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performance are being addressed.

Our second day started at the Agri-food and Biosciences Institute at Hillsborough. Here we had a presentation on the findings of all their ongoing calf research. Some of their most recent studies found the use of a smaller starter pellet over

Laura Monk

Calf & Youngstock Specialist Cornwall, Devon, South Somerset

m: 07767 275662 e: laura.monk@wynnstay.co.uk

CALF TEAM STUDY TOURS

Later in the year we travelled to Northern Ireland with Volac. Our trip started at Greenmount Agricultural College, where we were shown their impressive dairy set up, the farm manager explained how cow comfort and reduced ammonia output has driven them to experiment with cubicle and house floor designs from all over the world. All the smallest details had been considered and although this design may not be mirrored commercially a lot could be learnt from the results of the ideas they had implicated. We were also able to see the site and the plans for the new calf shed as well as hear the thoughts behind the design.

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HYGIENE - KEEPING BACTERIA AT BAY The health of any animal relies on the balance between an internal immune system and the external challenges of viruses and bacteria. Bacteria simply need moisture, energy and temperature (2 degrees +) to replicate. It is not surprising that they thrive in most situations. When assessing calf-rearing systems, we find moisture, energy and temperature associated with most environments and related jobs. When we look to reduce bacterial counts or bacterial load on equipment or milk, it is sensible to try to eliminate one or more of their breeding requirements. Bacterial numbers in warm colostrum can double every 20 minutes

after 1 hour

after 2 hour

Is hygiene an issue on farm? When Marc Boelhauve spoke at the European Calf Conference in Berlin earlier this year, he presented data from a colostrum study, showing that 85% of colostrum samples which were tested for quality were deemed “good.” But out of the calves fed this good colostrum, only 14.5% of them had sufficient uptake of immunoglobulins (IgG).

HYGIENE - KEEPING BACTERIA AT BAY

Calves were fed sufficient quantity soon after birth, so the conclusion largely pointed towards the handling and hygiene of the colostrum after collection. IOWA state university study (2011) found that on average, colostrum is moved between buckets/bottles 2.5 times and 42% of farms transferred it over 3 times before feeding. But each time the colostrum is moved to a new container it poses a risk of gathering more bacteria. Half of the specimens were held for over 60 minutes before storage or feeding and refrigerated samples were found to have 10 times more bacteria those from a fresh cow. What methods can be used to reduce bacterial load? Thorough bucket & equipment cleaning is a basic, yet major aspect of reducing bacteria. Providing the udder is well cleaned before milking the fresh cow, milk should be practically sterile so it is only the buckets and equipment we expose it to afterwards, that may contaminate it.

Dump buckets washed out and stored with the lid sealed on creates an “incubator” effect providing a moist, warm environment (perfect for bacterial replication). Washing out the buckets and pipes thoroughly and allowing them to dry upside down over a drainable surface is recommended.

Buckets stacked up like this to drain can hold moisture and the ones touching the floor can pick up bacteria on the lip of the bucket which calves are likely to suck. A more appropriate way to store buckets would be on a rail, set up to allow each bucket to be able to drain fully, without too much contact with anything else. Unfortunately, we will never eliminate every pathogen in an environment. However, the more it is reduced, the lower the risk is of it causing harm to calves. Having a foot dip (including a product such as KILCO Virophor) at the entrance to the calf shed is recommended. But please remember you can’t disinfect organic matter, so boots must be visibly clean before the foot dip is able to disinfect them. Wearing disposable gloves when feeding calves is recommended. It gives the opportunity to take gloves off and put on a new pair, especially if you have been helping one calf to learn to drink, or dealing with a sick animal. Also, our hands are always covered in bacteria, so it eliminates the calves contacting anything from us. Pasteurisation is a good tool to use to reduce the bacterial numbers in colostrum; although we accept the process will damage some of the important immunoglobulins. It is recommended to be performed at 60 degrees for 60 minutes and the equipment used for this must be very accurate and regularly serviced to ensure it is providing the constant temperature required. Dr Rick Dumm (2019) reported that if pasteurisation was carried out at 62 degrees (only 2 degrees higher) it can cause damage up to 30% of the immunoglobulins, which would significantly reduce the quality of colostrum.

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FOCUS ON CALVES 2019

• Incorrect product being used – It is essential to know what you are trying to remove from the environment/equipment and to use a product which has been tested for that purpose • Inaccurate dilution rate – a weaker than recommended dilution rate, or using the correct dilution but applying to a wet surface

• Not giving disinfectant enough kill time – most products have a “kill time” stated on the packaging. If you do not give the product this time, you cannot be sure it will have worked to its full potential.

The Store & Thaw (S&T) by Pyon is a very efficient, costeffective way to pasteurise batches of colostrum. S&T can also be used as a water bath to thaw frozen colostrum quickly (within 15 mins). Thawing colostrum over long periods of time gives ample opportunity for bacterial replication due to parts of the milk being warm, allowing bacterial replication. Similarly, cooling colostrum slowly provides a breeding ground. Even in the fridge, a bucket of colostrum can take as long as 8 hours to cool through to the middle. Having bottles of frozen water/ice packs ready to put into the bucket can speed up this process. Common pitfalls • Not removing all organic matter – disinfectant is not able to penetrate the surface, which needs cleaning if covered with organic matter

• Storing equipment incorrectly after disinfection – if equipment is stored in a place that is likely to contain bacteria, it will become re-infected and when it is used again, it will be assumed to be “clean” but will be introducing bacteria to the milk/water it has contact with. Examples of appropriate cleaning products to use KILCO Virophor 2.8% - foot dip – mix at 2% dilution rate – change every 2-3 days, or daily if soiling occurs KILCO Autosan Blue – alkaline cleaner, useful for buckets, automatic machines and equipment. 0.5% dilution in hot water or 1% in cold water Wynnstay Actigel – foam detergent, helps lift the organic material and biofilm – dilution rate 3%. Can be used through pressure washers. KILCO Cyclex - For specific coccidial / cryptosporidial challenge apply a 3% v/v dilution, via a spray or foaming device, at a rate of 0.3L per square metre to cover all surfaces in the building as appropriate. Allow a contact time of 4h.

ENTER TO WIN

HYGIENE - KEEPING BACTERIA AT BAY

• Not allowing enough drying time – time is often limited but allowing a shed to dry removes the moisture that bacteria require to multiply. If there is not enough time to allow it to dry, or there is poor ventilation so it can’t dry – try use a drying lime e.g Minstral, which also disinfects.

WORTH £150

You Competition: could win a KILCO complete hygiene package of 5L of Virophor, 5L of KILCO Cyclex - Package Virophor ,KILCO Autosan Blue, Wynnstay Actigel, Actigel, 5L of Cyclex and 20L of Autoscan Blue.

Complete the information below to be entered into a prize draw to win *Indicates a required field Please post entries to: Wynnstay Marketing Team, Unit 4 Glovers Meadow, Maesbury Road Industrial Estate, Oswestry, SY10 8NH *First Name:........................................ *Last Name............................................. *Email address:........................................................................ Are you an Account Holder?.................................................................................................................................................................................. (If yes please enter your Account Number)

*Farm Name.......................................... *Address:................................................................................................................................................. *Postcode:................................................. *Contact Number............................................................................................................................... What livestock do you rear?

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Calf Competition Prize Draw Terms and Conditions: The closing date for entries is Friday 9th August 2019. • The winner will be chosen at random from all entries on 30th August 2019. • The winner will be contacted directly after 30th August 2019. • You must complete all required information to be entered into the competition. • Only one entry per customer. • There is no entry fee and no purchase necessary to enter this competition. • The winner may be required to take part in promotional activity related to the prize draw. • Employees of Wynnstay Group Plc or subsidiary companies are not permitted to enter the competition. • We accept no responsibility for entries that are lost, delayed or incomplete. • We reserve the right to withdraw or change the competition at any time. • There is no cash alternative to the prize. The prize cannot be transferred or exchanged. • Judge’s decision is final. • By entering the competition you have accepted these terms and conditions.

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t: 0808 168 7998 dairy@wynnstay.co.uk To find your local store visit

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Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the details supplied in this publication are correct as of June 2019, Wynnstay cannot be held responsible for any inaccurate information. Information contained within this publication should be used as a guide only please seek specialist advice before purchasing. Photography and product images used within this publication have been used as a guide only.

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