Profitable calf rearing Article supplied by Dr B.W. Schouten, BVSc Veterinary Consultant to AgriVantage Prevention and treatment of scours A scouring calf is in grave danger. The physiological and pathological changes that are occurring in the gut are now well understood and can easily be summarised by the effect on the calf. These are (diarrhoea): […]
The Scouring Calf – Diagnosis
Profitable calf rearing Article supplied by Dr B.W. Schouten, BVSc Veterinary Consultant to AgriVantage Causes and diagnosis Without a doubt, dealing with scouring calves is the biggest challenge for the calf rearer, and the biggest threat to calf survival. Understanding the causes of neonatal diarrhoea (scours) is important, so that appropriate prevention and treatment can […]
Milk feeding – the critical first 10 days
Profitable calf rearing Article supplied by Dr B.W. Schouten, BVSc Veterinary Consultant to AgriVantage Once you’re sure that your newborn animals have consumed a good amount of quality colostrum, the feeding schedule over the first 10-day period will lay the foundation for good early health and growth. It’s important to consider the following: Feeding methods […]
10 golden rules of calf selection
Profitable calf rearing Article supplied by Dr B.W. Schouten, BVSc Veterinary Consultant to AgriVantage The decisions you make on Day 1 could make or break your calf rearing venture. This is the moment you select a calf and pay the market price. As a rearer, your main objective must be to minimise the mortality […]
Profitable Calf Rearing
What impacts success or failure? Article supplied by Dr B.W. Schouten, BVSc Veterinary Consultant to AgriVantage Another calf rearing season is fast approaching, and dairy beef calves will soon become available for the dairy/beef market. Questions you might be asking: What will be the price of a good quality calf? And, what will happen […]
5 steps to a naturally healthy rearing environment
Use Stalosan F in conjunction with a strong liquid disinfectant for a total hygiene solution. The combination is excellent for rearing pen preparation. For rearing shed or calf-pen preparation: 1. Remove all old soiled bedding. 2. Remove as much organic material from the floors, walls, posts, rails, and roof as possible.Don’t forget feeding equipment and […]
Are you using the best milk replacer?
“Successful calf rearing depends on many factors, especially good nutrition” says Dr Bas Schouten, one of New Zealand’s renowned experts on animal rearing. “Our aim is to meet the energy requirements of our animals while they are totally reliant on milk. “At the same time, we want to encourage the early intake of concentrates and […]
Access to high quality colostrum is critical for optimal passive transfer of immunity
Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is key to a strong, robust start to life and for fighting infections, making IgG content a critical factor when assessing the quality of colostrum. Failure of Passive Transfer (FPT) occurs when a calf or other new-born animal fails to obtain or absorb adequate quantities of IgG antibodies from colostrum in the […]
Milkiwean for piglets, there’s nothing better
Young piglets scrambling to feed on Milkiwean Yoghurt being distributed by farm worker Marlo Pig farmers Pieter Bloem and third generation Gavin and Nicole are firm advocates for Milkiwean Yoghurt, having noted significant improvements in piglet performance and even sow condition since introducing it 3 years ago. In their opinion, there’s no better product for […]
Why don’t we manufacture Sprayfo milk replacers in New Zealand?
Several customers, mostly lamb rearers have asked us “Why can’t you make Sprayfo here? Wouldn’t that solve the supply issues?” The fact is we have investigated manufacturing Sprayfo milk replacers in New Zealand as this would reduce lead times considerably. Unfortunately, it can’t be done. Why? The chief reason is that Sprayfo is a whey […]