Launch of “Feeding Success” Series by Agriland Featuring Insights from Volac Milk Replacers Ireland

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August 30, 2025

Optimizing nutrition during a calf’s initial weeks is paramount to building a robust and profitable dairy operation. Proper feeding practices lay the groundwork for exceptional milk production, improved fertility, and enhanced overall health in future generations of dairy cattle. Recent findings emphasize the critical nature of this period,positioning it as a golden opportunity for producers.

Maximizing Growth Through Targeted Nutrition

Dairy farmers across multiple regions are recognizing the significant returns on investment associated wiht meticulous calf rearing. Experts are now focusing on easily implementable methods to substantially boost calf rearing efficiency.Jerry Moloney, located in County Tipperary, has shared insights into delivering robust, quickly maturing calves, while Tommy Relihan, from County Limerick, has reflected on decades of experience in calf nutrition.

James McGee, based in County Donegal, is focusing on accelerating weight gain in the crucial early stages of calf development.Simultaneously, Padraig Smith, in County Cavan, is showcasing his approach to raising high-performing calves. These real-world scenarios highlight a unified message: focused nutrition early on translates to long-term gains.

The Importance of Milk Replacers

A key element in triumphant calf rearing is the quality of milk replacer utilized. A heifer calf’s ability to convert nutrients into growth is highest in the beginning of life, decreasing from approximately 50% in the first few weeks to a mere 10% at the point of breeding. Selecting a high-quality calf milk replacer containing concentrated whey protein or a significant inclusion of skim milk (>50%) is vital to making the most of this critical window.

According to industry professionals, consistent adherence to sound colostrum management and a well-designed feeding schedule, coupled with hygienic housing, proper ventilation, and access to fresh water and palatable starter feed, leads to optimal results. Aiming to feed calves up to 900g (with a minimum of 750g) of milk replacer daily until weaning is a benchmark for ideal growth and rumen development.

Did You Know? The first 8 weeks of a calf’s life are the most impactful for its future performance, accounting for over 60% of its total growth potential.

Adjusting for environmental Factors

External conditions, particularly temperature, considerably impact a calf’s nutritional needs. Lower temperatures compel calves to expend energy on thermoregulation, diverting resources away from growth and possibly increasing susceptibility to disease. Farmers are now advised to increase milk solids by 100g per day for every 10°C decrease in temperature below 20°C.

As an example, if the temperature dips to 10°C, an additional 100g of milk powder should be incorporated into the daily ration. This adjustment can be achieved either by increasing the volume of milk fed or adjusting the mixing rate.

Temperature (°C)	Additional Milk Powder (g/day)
20	0
10	100
0	200

Long-Term Benefits of Optimal Calf Rearing

The advantages of diligent calf rearing extend far beyond immediate growth rates. Properly reared heifers, calving at approximately 24 months of age, demonstrate superior fertility, greater milk yield, improved udder health, and increased survival rates as mature milkers. These qualities translate directly into enhanced farm profitability. As one industry leader stated, lifetime daily yield is a primary driver of profitability.

Pro Tip: regularly monitor calf growth and breeding age.Aim for heifers to reach 55-60% of their mature body weight at 13-14 months, indicating successful rearing practices.

Are you currently monitoring your calves’ weight gain and growth rates? What adjustments could you make to your feeding protocols to optimize their early development?

Beyond the Basics: Sustainable Calf Rearing

Modern calf rearing increasingly emphasizes sustainable practices. This includes minimizing waste, optimizing resource utilization, and prioritizing animal welfare. Implementing a comprehensive monitoring system to track individual calf performance, combined with data-driven decision-making, is fundamental to achieving long-term success. Moreover, biosecurity protocols are crucial to prevent disease outbreaks and ensure the health of the entire herd.

Frequently Asked Questions About Calf Nutrition

• What is the ideal milk feeding rate for newborn calves? A good starting point is 3-4 liters per day, split into multiple feedings.
• How important is colostrum for calf health? Colostrum is critically important, providing essential antibodies for immunity.
• What type of milk replacer should I use? Choose a high-quality replacer with concentrated whey protein or a high skim milk inclusion rate.
• How does temperature affect a calf’s nutritional needs? Calves require more energy in colder temperatures to maintain body heat.
• When should I introduce starter feed to calves? Offer starter feed from the first week of life, encouraging early rumen development.
• What are the signs of a well-nourished calf? Look for healthy weight gain, bright eyes, and a strong immune response.
• How can I improve my calf rearing efficiency? Regularly monitor calf growth, adjust feeding based on temperature, and maintain a clean and hygienic environment.

Investing in early calf nutrition is an investment in the future viability and success of any dairy farm. By embracing best practices and prioritizing the well-being of young calves, producers can unlock significant improvements in herd performance and profitability.

Share this article with fellow dairy farmers and let’s discuss your experiences in the comments below!

How does Volac’s research contribute to improved nutrient absorption in calves through milk replacer formulation?

Understanding the New Agriland Series: A Deep Dive

Agriland has recently launched “Feeding Success,” a compelling new series dedicated to optimizing calf rearing practices.A key partner in this initiative is Volac milk Replacers Ireland, bringing their extensive expertise in calf nutrition and milk replacer technology to the forefront.This collaboration aims to provide farmers with actionable strategies for improving calf health, growth rates, and overall farm profitability. The series is particularly relevant given the increasing focus on enduring agriculture and efficient livestock management.

Volac’s Role & Key Expertise Areas

Volac Milk Replacers Ireland isn’t just a sponsor; they are a core contributor of knowledge. Their involvement centers around several crucial areas:

Milk Replacer Formulation: Volac’s research and advancement focuses on creating milk replacers that closely mimic the composition of maternal colostrum and milk, ensuring optimal nutrient absorption and immune system development in young calves.

Calf Gut Health: A significant portion of the series will address the importance of establishing a healthy gut microbiome in calves. Volac’s products often incorporate ingredients designed to support gut flora and minimize the risk of scour (calf diarrhea).

Optimizing Feeding Regimes: The series will explore best practices for feeding calves, including appropriate milk replacer concentration, feeding frequency, and weaning strategies.Volac’s data-driven approach to feeding protocols will be a central theme.

Colostrum management: Recognizing the critical role of colostrum, the series will cover best practices for colostrum harvesting, storage, and administration, leveraging Volac’s insights into colostrum quality assessment.

Key Topics Covered in the “feeding Success” Series

The Agriland series promises a comprehensive exploration of calf rearing. Hear’s a breakdown of anticipated topics:

1. The Importance of Early Nutrition: Examining the long-term impact of calf nutrition on lifetime performance, including milk production in heifers and meat quality in steers.
2. Decoding Milk Replacer Labels: A practical guide to understanding the ingredients and nutritional composition of different milk replacers, helping farmers make informed purchasing decisions. Focus will be on protein sources, fat content, and vitamin/mineral premixes.
3. Preventing Calf Scour: Identifying risk factors for scour and implementing preventative measures, including hygiene protocols, proper feeding management, and the use of specialized milk replacers.
4. Weaning Strategies for Optimal Growth: Developing effective weaning plans that minimize stress and ensure continued growth after milk replacer is discontinued. This includes considerations for starter feed intake and rumen development.
5. Maximizing Calf Immunity: Exploring strategies to bolster calf immunity, including colostrum management, vaccination protocols, and the role of specific nutrients in immune function.
6. Troubleshooting Common Calf Rearing Challenges: Addressing practical problems faced by farmers, such as poor appetite, slow growth, and respiratory disease.

Benefits of Implementing Insights from the Series

Farmers who actively engage with the “Feeding Success” series and implement the recommended practices can expect to see several benefits:

Reduced Calf Mortality: Improved nutrition and gut health translate to fewer sick calves and lower mortality rates.

Enhanced Growth Rates: Optimized feeding regimes lead to faster weight gain and earlier maturity.

Improved Feed Efficiency: Healthier calves convert feed into growth more efficiently, reducing overall feed costs.

Increased Farm Profitability: Reduced losses from calf illness and improved lifetime performance contribute to higher farm profits.

Better Animal Welfare: Healthy, well-nourished calves experience less stress and discomfort, promoting better animal welfare.

Volac milk Replacers: A History of Innovation

Volac has a long-standing reputation for innovation in the animal nutrition sector. Their commitment to research and development has resulted in a range of high-quality milk replacers designed to meet the specific needs of calves at different stages of development. They continually invest in understanding the evolving nutritional requirements of calves and adapting their products accordingly. This dedication to scientific advancement is a key reason for their partnership with agriland on the “Feeding Success” series. Their products are widely used across Ireland and the UK, and are gaining traction in other European markets.

Practical Tips for Series Engagement

To maximize the value of the Agriland “Feeding Success” series, consider these practical tips:

Regularly Check agriland: Stay updated on new articles and content releases.

Take Detailed Notes: Document key takeaways and action items.

Implement Changes Gradually: Don’t try to overhaul your entire calf rearing system at once.Start with small,manageable changes.

Monitor Results: Track key performance indicators (kpis) such as calf mortality, growth rates, and feed efficiency to assess the impact of implemented changes.

Consult with a Veterinarian: Seek professional advice from your veterinarian to tailor recommendations to your specific farm conditions.

* Explore Volac’s Resources: Visit the Volac Milk Replacers Ireland website for additional data and support materials.