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Monday, March 10, 2008 Volume 3, Issue 3 |
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Strong heifer prices continue
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Starch source in calf starter evaluated
Korean researchers evaluated the effect of different starch sources in calf starter on rumen development. The pelleted starter fed during the study contained ground corn, ground barley, ground wheat or crimped oats as the starch source. The researchers fed the starter free-choice along with mixed grass hay. The researchers say “better functional rumens” in calves fed corn and wheat as the starch sources resulted in greater feed intake in these calves than those fed barley and oats. The results were published in this month’s issue of the Journal of Dairy Science. Clostridium perfringens information online Learn about the different types of Clostridium perfringens and how this organism causes infections in calves in an article authored by South Dakota State University extension veterinarian Russ Daly and Lori Rotert, a pre-veterinary student. Avoiding abrupt changes in feeding patterns is one preventative measure you can use. To learn more about the cause, prevention and treatment of C. perfringens, follow this link (PDF format).
Red tape freshness seal This New York dairy has found a way to protect colostrum bottles from the elements and also keep track of when the colostrum was harvested. Workers keep a roll of red duct tape handy, so bottle openings are covered quickly after filling. This prevents an undesirable layer of scum from forming on the top of the colostrum. Then, the harvest date is written across the tape and the bottle placed in the refrigerator. This way, everyone knows which bottles to feed first. Submitted by Sam Leadley, Attica Veterinary Associates, Attica, N.Y. Protocols pay off It’s the little things that make a difference when it comes to calf care at Durst Brothers Dairy. Employees know exactly what’s expected of them and go the extra mile to make sure protocols are followed to the letter. “They make sure utensils are clean, that colostrum is refrigerated immediately and that newborn calf navels are dipped at birth and again when they arrive at the calf-raising facility about an hour later,” explains Ron Durst. Colostrum bacteria levels are routinely checked, and a daily log tracks who fed which calf, when it was fed and whether it received colostrum or a replacer product. The log also tracks calf IgG levels. The process pays off — the 1,440-cow dairy routinely achieves about a 2 percent calf death loss rate.  Holstein steers are a different animal Mike Davis, manager of Harrah Feedlot near Wapato, Wash., oversees the feeding and finishing of approximately 7,000 Holstein steers a year. He says dairy steers are not necessarily any harder or easier to feed than beef-breed animals, but do require different management. Follow this link to learn more. Five-star service This month’s issue of Dairy Herd Management is devoted to calf and heifer management. In it, you will find advice on how to get calves ready to leave individual housing, including tips on group housing facilities and transition-heifer nutrition. In addition, learn why good sanitation after pasteurization is just as important as the pasteurization itself. In the issue, you also will find on-farm tips from your peers in the special Calf & Heifer Profit Tips section. Look for it in your mailbox, or check out the online version at: www.dairyherd.com. Dairy Calf and Heifer Conference is next month The 12th Dairy Calf and Heifer National Conference is April 1-3, at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester, Minn. If you haven’t already made plans to attend, go to: www.pdhga.org.
Dairy Herd Management has a Web site. Look for updated news, loads of important links and an ever-growing and expanding Internet presence at www.dairyherd.com © Copyright 2008 Dairy Herd Management magazine and Food360°. All Rights Reserved.
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