Milk replacer is important in dairy operations. However, a recent study suggests that calves need moderate amounts of milk replacer to more successfully transition to dry feedstuffs post-weaning.
Source: Dairy Herd Management, April 6, 2016.
The study, published in the April 2016 issue of the Journal of Dairy Science, and summarized by Colleen Chapman, PhD candidate the University of New Hampshire, evaluated 96 male Holstein calves, starting at 3 days of age. The authors concluded that feeding moderate amounts of milk replacer would promote rumen development and digestion, and provide adequate nutrients for growth beyond maintenance, without causing the post-weaning slump based on their three test groups.
INSIGHTS: Sales representatives and veterinary teams servicing dairies know the importance of milk replacers. This study can help create a dialogue about how much is enough and lead to a discussion about which milk replacer fits best with the individual producers’ needs.