The Milk Producer - June 2009 - (Page 40)

RUMINATIONS By Barry Potter Long-term gain The recommended practice of feeding colostrum to newborn calves has more benefits than first believed hen your dairy calves achieve their potential, they reach maturity faster, calve at an earlier age and generally become more productive. Feeding colostrum has always been a key factor in getting young females off on the right track, but researchers have found it also puts more milk in your bulk tank when they join your milking herd. Some recent studies have examined the impact of colostrum quantity and quality on the longer term success of dairy cows. Specifically, they have found calves receiving a higher quality and quantity of colostrum produce more milk in their first and subsequent lactations. A University of Arizona study divided Brown Swiss calves into two groups. Just after birth, one group received four litres of colostrum and the other group two litres. These groups were then remixed and treated the same. Researchers monitored their subsequent first two lactations. W Healthier, colostrum-fed calves grow into superior milking cows, researchers have found. Ruminations is prepared by Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs livestock technology specialists to provide information you can use on your farm. Calves receiving four litres at birth had a 30 per cent higher calf growth rate, had a 16 per cent higher survival rate to the end of second lactation and produced 2,263 litres more milk by the end of the second lactation. This result suggests getting high amounts of colostrum into calves 40 | June 2009 | MilkPRODUCER

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Milk Producer - June 2009

The Milk Producer - June 2009
Contents
Editor's Notes
DFO Chair's Message
Dairy Update
National Policy
Industry Roundup
DFC Promotion
Processor Spotlight
Empowering an Industry
Research
Applied Science
Rumi Nations
Markets
New 'N' Noted
Back Forty

The Milk Producer - June 2009

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