Displaying items by tag: animal health

Calf rearing facilities should be set up and maintained well to ensure calves stay healthy.

Colostrum is produced only in the first milking after calving, it is higher in protein and fat than milk, contains a wide array of other beneficial bioactive molecules, specific nutrients, hormones and growth factors, and has a distinctive yellow colour.

Heifers that reach target weights make the most successful milking cows, so it’s important to invest in their health from the get-go to ensure a healthy, happy, and profitable dairy farm.

Successful calf rearing starts as soon as the calf is born.

An increasing number of Otago and Canterbury dairy farmers are realising the value of DNA testing their calves to help them make better breeding decisions, according to local CRV sales consultant Deborah Adair-Dagg.

In the past year, farmers using MyOSPRI have created just over 15,000 electronic farm-to-meatprocessor and 1300 farm-to-farm Animal Status Declarations (ASDs).

Drench resistance is common.

The lead up to another calving period means the next few weeks offer an opportunity to meet the nutritional demands of your cows.

As part of its strategic choice to lead in sustainability, Fonterra places a strong emphasis on calf wellbeing.

While most dairy farmers are heading into spring calving with lush grass cover, cows may need more starch and energy to compensate for pasture deficiencies this season.