Does Calf Nutrition Influence Lifetime Milk Production?
It has been known for some time that quality colostrum contains up to 180 substances, which were initially thought to be natural growth promotants. However, later research identified these substances as being responsible for activating genes in the newborn calf covering all major bodily functions including milk production, growth, immunity, fertility . . . and more.
More recent work has focused on the potential of nutrition during early life of the calf to influence adult life performance, specifically; this research has centred on nutrition’s influence on mammary development and future lactation performance.
Although several early reports were conflicting as to just what was happening, despite weights of mammary tissue increasing with high planes of nutrition, consensus is growing that beneficial outcomes from early calf-hood nutrition does in fact produce significant development of ‘functional’ mammary tissue. Further, follow-up research on calves fed higher levels of fat and protein during their early weeks of life does enhance adult milk production. Setbacks in the early life of the calf have been well documented as having lifetime production legacies. This more recent research on mammary development may well shed light on why.
In an earlier article we looked at refractometers to ensure solids content of calf milk was a ‘known’, rather than a hope. Research on early calf nutrition compared feeding 0.5 kg milk solids to feeding 1 kg milk solids. The calves fed 1 kg of milk solids had double the weight of the mammary gland. It was also found that this weight gain was spread between the fat pad (the supportive tissue in the mammary gland) and ‘functional’ tissue: a fivefold increase in the fat pad and a sevenfold increase in ‘functional’ tissue. Further investigation of the tissues involved revealed no reduction in DNA, essential for gene expression. This means, through higher milk solids intakes, calves can increase functional mammary tissue mass without altering its composition, and hence it’s later life function.
The impetus for this research grew from feeding strategies aimed at increased growth rates in calves; an obviously beneficial goal. However, concern grew as to possible detrimental effects on adult milk production from the possibility of development of fat deposits that may inhibit milk yield, as is common in heifers calving beyond 24 months or overweight, and cows after long dry periods.
This is a “win/win” scenario. Increased growth rates in early calf-hood, and potential for increasing adult milk production. As discussed in earlier calf article, immunity is a very energy-hungry system. As we increase energy and protein intakes in calves, there are immunity benefits complimenting improved growth rates and mammary development.
CALFMAXTM
CALFMAX is a soluble combination of an ultra-concentrated blend of
Hydrolysed yeast, yeast extract, yeast culture for addition to calf milk
Contains
MOS, Glucans, Galactosamine, Vitamins, Minerals & BOVATEC
Plus a natural plant extract to enhance nutrient absorption
CALFMAX is available directly from Dairytech Nutrition or at the following Rural Stores
South West Vic Gippsland Northern Vic
Allansford Leongatha Cohuna
Acme Rural Supplies Browns Stockfeeds J & R Cooke Trading P/L
Colac Lang Lang Echuca
The Co-op Colac Larmax Agribarn Kober Ag Intellegence
Noorat Poowong Kyabram
Mt Noorat Farm Supplies Poowong Dairy & Hardware Dunstall Rural Supplies
Simpson Drouin Girgarre
E & RA Parlour & Co Evison Grain & Produce Dunstall Rural Supplies
Terang Yarragon Leitchville
Scanlons Dairy Centre Yarragon Rural Supplies Lipps Leitchville
Terang Coop Tongala
GTS Farm Supplies
Central Highlands
Creswick
Davies & Rose
If there is no rural store stockist near you, call Dairytech Nutrition 0400 991 814
Or visit our online store at www.dairytechnutrition.com.au
For information and supply of CALFMAX call Dairytech Nutrition 0400 991 814
