BCS Targets: Why Body Condition Score Matters at Calving
Body Condition Score (BCS) is a critical element in managing the health and reproduction of the dairy herd.
The two minute clips provide quick and relevant advice from SealesWinslow nutritionist and quality manager, Wendy Morgan, allowing calf rearers to refresh their knowledge and access useful information while on the go.
Morgan says giving calves the best possible start is vital to setting up dairy cows for a long and productive life.
"It starts with having a good calving plan; ensuring calves get the right nutrition at the right time and making best use of farm facilities to provide the best calf housing.
"Well grown heifers make much more successful milking cows, and growing them well starts from the day they are born."
A total of six videos feature on the SealesWinslow YouTube site https://www.youtube.com/user/SealesWinslow, starting with advice on setting up healthy and effective calf housing, and are available now.
The videos cover a range of topics from the best way to provide colostrum to newborn calves, to feeding strategies for optimal rumen development, as well as setting up outdoor shelter best practice for and hitting weight targets.
The full series is as follows:
1. Housing
2. Colostrum and Milk
3. Introducing Feed and Weaning
4. More on Feed
5. Moving Outside
6. Weights and Targets
Morgan says the information is based on the best practice, designed so that both first time and experienced rearers can benefit from the short, straight-to-the-point videos.
"We know how hectic life can get on the farm during calving time so we've presented the information in a way that gives rearers what they need at their fingertips, when they need it."
