With the objective of growing her calves as efficiently as possible, dairy farmer Trish Rankin has changed from feeding whole milk only, to working to a nutrition plan that incorporated calf milk replacer. The benefits have both pleased and surprised her. She and husband Glen own Rankill Downs at Oaonui, Opunake. Milking 300 cows, the […]
Have you ever felt like you keep doing all the things you’re supposed to when it comes to rearing calves but there’s little change to your production levels or farm profitability? Of course, rearing calves is just like any other kind of animal agriculture: “We’re managing biology for profit.” So, how can we manage calf […]
Feeding calves more for earlier growth and development is better for lifetime productivity; that’s what Sam and Jo Spencer-Bower both learned and experienced by working with AgriVantage for the 2023 season. “We were referred to AgriVantage for their calf rearing expertise,” said Sam. “And it’s been a game changer. We implemented everything they recommended to […]
There’s a common misconception that calves should receive colostrum from their own mother (dam) or herd to ensure protection against any pathogens present on the farm where they were born. The fact is that high quality, whole, colostrum replacers will provide protection from diseases (anywhere in the world) and should be considered in any colostrum […]
Roger Russell was a firm believer that whey milk replacer was an inferior product, and he wasn’t prepared to feed it to his calves – until he experienced first-hand the significant difference in the condition of his calves within days of switching to Sprayfo Blue calf milk replacer. Roger owns a bull farm at Ruawaro, […]
Profitable dairy herds are built on a foundation of continuous improvement in efficiency and output. Cows which produce more milk per kilogram of feed consumed will inevitably be more profitable than less efficient animals. Similarly, herds which have a lower replacement rate are more profitable than herds with a higher replacement rate because rearing replacement […]
Julie Wyatt has run a beef finishing unit for 15 years in Oxford, Canterbury. Buying in weaned calves, she fattens them until they are 18 months to 2 years old. A meticulous keeper of records year after year, Julie has noticed an exponential increase in growth rates in her 2022 calves. The only difference is […]
Using Sprayfo Delta and Blue calf milk replacers for the first time in 2022, Wendy Williams believes she’s reared her best calves ever. “For me, consistency is key. I know we are getting a much better product in Sprayfo.” For calf rearer Wendy Williams, consistency (in a milk replacer) is everything. After one season with […]
Minimising the moisture content of bedding in animal housing is important because increased moisture allows for increased microbial activity and potentially harmful levels of pathogens. Dry bedding also encourages resting – helping to support animal health, welfare and productivity. Cheap and readily available, limestone is often used to reduce moisture in animal bedding. However, the […]
“Stalosan F is not overly expensive for what it does” says Calving Manager Nicole Woodford. She’s used the product in her calf sheds since 2014. Read more > For farmers managing herd homes or rearing lambs, calves, and goat kids, it’s important to provide an environment that protects the animal’s skin – which is their […]
