Calf Milk Replacers & Starter Feeds

CALF MILK REPLACERS & STARTER FEEDS

www.wynnstayagriculture.co.uk Wynnstay Group Plc

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CONTENTS

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Healthy Calf, Healthy Profit

3

Importance of Colostrum

4

WYNNGOLD™ Calf Milk Replacers

7

Turbo Start

8

Rich Cream

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Bloom

9

Stellar

9

Swift

10

Thrive

10

Prime Beef

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How much and how often should I feed?

12

AdVance™ Starter Feeds

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Calf Team Services

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Calf Feeding Equipment

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Calf Specialist Team

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HEALTHY CALF, HEALTHY PROFIT Rearing healthy calves is a challenging job and can be tackled in many different ways. Growing a good dairy heifer or a good beef animal depends on the feeding, management and environment during the first few weeks. Minimising disease and maximising growth rates are the key goals.

Good growth rates can be achieved using automatic feeders or traditional bucket systems, but the choice of feed and the amount you feed, is fundamental to your success and any money spent on the young calf now will be rewarded during later life.

The calf’s ability to convert milk into growth in the first six weeks of life is a natural phenomenon, farmers who take advantage of this efficient growth phase will be rewarded with a well grown, healthy calf, which will go on to become a healthy productive adult.

Success factors include: A designated calf rearer Clean, well bedded housing Fresh air Draught free Low humidity Low stocking rate

Minimising disease and maximising growth rates are the key goals

Optimum Feed Conversions in Young Cattle 50-60g of growth

30g of growth

20g of growth

10g of growth

OUTPUT

2:1

3:1

5:1

10:1

INPUT 100g of feed

100g of feed

100g of feed

100g of feed

1-10 weeks

2-3.5 months

4-8 months

8-19 months

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IMPORTANCE OF COLOSTRUM Calves do not receive antibodies through the blood stream from the cow’s placenta so they are entirely reliant on colostrum for their initial immunity. In order to give the calf a good start in life, it is important to follow some simple guidelines, known as the ‘4 Qs’ of colostrum management.

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2 3 4 4

Follow the ‘4 Qs’ of colostrum management

Quality The best colostrum is produced within one to two hours of birth. Not all cows produce good quality colostrum. A short dry period, a high yielding cow, a poor transition diet and poor hygiene can all downgrade the quality. Always remember to keep it clean.

It is important to check the quality using a colostrometer or a Brix refractometer, to ensure it is of high enough quality to feed or freeze.

Quantity As a ‘rule of thumb’, a calf should receive 10% of their birthweight with a minimum of 3L. For example, a Holstein weighing 40kg at birth would need 4L, which can be split into two feeds, but must be fed within six hours of birth.

Quickly The calf should be offered colostrum by teat or by tube as soon as possible after birth, but always within the first six hours of birth as the gut lining is ‘open’ and able to absorb large antibody molecules at this time. After the first six hours the gut lining starts to shut down and absorption is diminished.

Quietly Research has proven that a calm calf will absorb antibodies more efficiently than a stressed calf.

So, a stressed calf will require a larger quantity to achieve the same level of protection as a calm calf.

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COLOSTRUM MANAGEMENT KIT Calves can be left to suckle the cow (under supervision) or fed by teated bottle or tube, but one way to be sure they receive top quality colostrum is to milk the cow within two hours of calving, test and freeze the best colostrum and store in the deep freeze, ready for the next calving.

The Wynngold™ Colostrum Management Kit offers fast, efficient, collection and handling of colostrum so that it can be tested for quality and frozen for future use.

NEW

The kit includes: • 5L reusable bags and screw caps x 40 • Stainless steel filling station • Jug • Wide bore funnel • Freezer labels x 150 • Plastic freezer baskets x 2 • Freezer pen • Thermometer • A choice of bovine colostrometer or

Brix refractometer

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STORE & THAW WATER BATH KIT Designed to thaw colostrum quickly (within 15 mins) avoiding damage to the delicate immunoglobulins.

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Precision instrument, combining a heater, digital thermostat and stirrer

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Designed to keep the temperature of the bath accurate, creating a flow of warm water around the bags

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Double walled insulated tank houses two stainless steel baskets

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Portable thaw unit clamps to the outside and the insulated lid prevents heat escaping

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Routine thawing of 2 x 2L at 50°C takes 12 minutes to reach a feeding temperature of 39°C

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Holds a steady water temperature of 60°C for 60 minutes

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CALF MILK REPLACERS You can have confidence that our products meet stringent quality criteria. Our milk replacers are made using the highest quality ingredients to provide the best possible calf nutrition. A variety of formulations meet different rearing objectives.

Our dairy ingredients are sourced from the milk processing industry and are blended with fats,

minerals, vitamins and neutroceutical additives to form a nutritionally balanced feed for young calves for the vital first few weeks of life.

There are a variety of ways to rear both bull and heifer calves and some farms will use whole milk for part of the rearing period, which has led to the development of a milk powder range for all pockets and purposes.

What makes a ‘LifeStart’ milk?

The LifeStart approach quantifies and promotes best practice and is underpinned by science and ongoing research. LifeStart calf milk replacers are formulated to achieve a specific nutrient profile, and help to produce calves with strong healthy growth, with less disease and ongoing high performance.

Dairy farmers wanting to produce high performance heifers with a long productive life would be wise to consider these milks. Wynngold™ Turbo Start and Rich Cream are LifeStart approved milks.

ngold n y W l l A ks are calf mil ed in ctur a f u n a m Britain TM

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LIFESTART APPROVED CALF MILK REPLACERS

TURBO START • •

•

• •

26%

PROTEIN

LifeStart approved Formulated for a high plane of nutrition For heifers growing at more than 800g/day Whey based milk replacer Bespoke health package including high vitamin E

17%

500iu Vit E

RICH CREAM • • • •

23%

PROTEIN

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Lifestart approved High quality 35% skim based Suitable for dairy and beef calves Bespoke health package including high vitamin E

20%

500iu Vit E

MILKS SUITABLE FOR BEEF OR DAIRY Calves can be reared from three days old on these high specification milk replacers:

BLOOM •

• •

• •

High quality whey based milk replacer High energy Bespoke health package including high vitamin E Excellent results on all systems Well proven

23%

PROTEIN

20%

500iu Vit E

STELLAR •

• • • • •

High quality whey based milk replacer High energy Gardion for enhanced gut health High vitamin E Excellent results on all systems Well proven

23%

PROTEIN

20%

500iu Vit E

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Some feeding systems use large amounts of milk replacer, for example ad lib, as well as a few computerised feeding programmes. In order to maximise the cost per kg of LWG a cheaper milk fed at a higher rate may be a more economical solution. Wynngold™ Swift and Thrive work well in these situations.

SWIFT •

• • •

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Economy whey based milk replacer Suitable for beef or dairy Quality protein sources, no soya Contains Gardion for enhanced gut health High vitamin E

21%

PROTEIN

19%

500iu Vit E

THRIVE • •

• •

•

Whey based milk replacer Suitable for any system including ad lib For beef or dairy Bespoke health package including high vitamin E Economy and performance

22%

PROTEIN

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18%

500iu Vit E

PRIME BEEF For BOUGHT-IN beef calves at two to three weeks old, Wynngold™ PRIME BEEF promotes good frame growth and is formulated to encourage early dry feed intake. Very popular with specialist calf rearers and beef units.

PRIME BEEF •

• •

High quality whey based milk replacer Popular for bought-in calves Bespoke health package including high vitamin E

22%

PROTEIN

17%

500iu Vit E

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HOW MUCH AND HOW OFTEN SHOULD I FEED? Once/day feeding

Twice/day feeding

In July 2013 DEFRA declared that only calves which are 28 days old or more should be fed milk once/day. This feeding method suits older calves and large, robust bought in calves, which can utilise dry feed and are close to being weaned. Research shows smaller frequent feeds are beneficial for younger calves.

A suggested regime for twice/day feeding Holstein calf 40kg from birth. Smaller calves need smaller meal sizes, contact your Calf Specialist for a feed plan. Any Wynngold™ milk can be used for twice/day feeding.

A typical feed rate builds up to 200g/L fed at 3L/day. Any Wynngold™ milk can be used at 200g/day.

Heifer Feeding Guide DAY 2 to 4

DAY 1 Newborn

Feed 2 Litres colostrum in first 2 hours

Colostrum

+

Feed 2 Litres colostrum in first 2 hours

Supply the newborn with colostrum at 10% of bodyweight in the first six hours, ideally within the first two hours

DAY 42 to 58 am + pm Feed 2 Litres

am + pm Feed 1.5 Litres

Reduce to 2 Litres per feed and slowly down to 1.5 Litres per feed 150g/L Mix at 40-45ºC Feed at 39ºC

DAY 5 to 41

am + pm

am + pm

Feed 2 Litres

Feed 3 Litres

Cow’s milk + handful of milk replacer

DAY 59

Swap to milk replacer

DAY 60

am + pm

pm

Feed 1 Litre

Feed 1 Litre

Feed 1 Litre am and pm

No feed at am feed 1 Litre pm

The calf can be weaned when it doubles its birthweight and has consumed 2kg of nuts for three consecutive days Offer fresh ad lib water, feeding straw and nuts from birth.

At 8-12 weeks continue ad lib straw, nuts and water.

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150g/L Mix at 40-45ºC Feed at 39ºC

FEEDING WITH A COMPUTERISED MACHINE Holm & Laue, Volac Urban or Förster Technik Vario Plus

Minimum LifeStart Calf Feeding Plan

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2.8

6

2.4

5

2.0

4

1.6

3

1.2

2 1

Colostrum

Milk feed (Litres/day)

The chart shows a typical ‘feed curve’ set to build up slowly and starting to wean at a preset day.

0.8 Weaning Phase

Calf starter (kg/day)

These machines arrive with a choice of preset programmes, or you can write your own programme, to give a desired meal size and frequency.

0.4

0

0 0

1

2

3

4

5

Weeks

6

7

8

9

10

Wynngold™ milk replacers are suitable for computerised feeding machines and all teat and bucket feeding systems.

Feeding with a Volac Ad Lib Auto Feeder or Britmix machine

or

These machines require a Wynngold™ FREE FLOW milk replacers No WYNNG OLD TM Calf Milk Replacers contain so ya

Feeding with an ad lib Volac Mini-Mum or Heatwave milk warmer These ad lib feeders require a cold mix instantised milk. All Wynngold™ milk replacers mix well in cold water. Choose any milk with no sediment (zero soya) for best results

For more information please contact your local Calf Specialist details are on the back page of this leaflet

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AdVance™ CALF STARTER FEEDS In order to wean a calf, it must have doubled its birthweight and have a functional rumen by weaning. To promote a smooth transition the following are a necessity: • Clean ad lib water supply • Starter feed with adequate starch levels, digestible proteins and soluble fibre • Palatable, fresh feed available ad lib • Straw or stalky hay

START ‘N’ WEAN • Feed from three days old to 10-12

weeks of age • Formulated for rapid rumen development • Highly digestible protein, essential for growth • Very palatable • Includes NIS (nutritionally improved

straw) to help prevent acidosis • Greenline™ health package within to

boost immunity • Deccox available as an optional extra • High quality 6mm nut, available in

20kg bags, 500kg tote bags or bulk

(4t minimum)

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AdVance™ CALF STARTER FEEDS

SUPER KRUNCH + ALFALFA • A coarse mix alternative to Start ‘n’ Wean nuts • Feed from three days old to 10-12 weeks of age • Palatable wholesome ingredients • High quality 18% sticky, coarse mix • Optimum starch levels to stimulate rumen development • High DUP for muscle growth • NIS and AlfAlfa for a natural, healthy digestion • Available in 500kg tote bags and 25kg bags

What our customers say...

Gatelands Farm comprising of 150 milking cows over 300 acres, located near Penrith, is farmed by Andrew and Angela Barraclough and their two children Tom and Alysha.

Alongside calf milk replacer Wynngold™ Stellar, Angela has opted to feed the calves Start ‘n’ Wean ad lib through to 12 weeks old. “Feeding a 6mm nut has improved the calves’ dry feed intakes with weaned calves eating 2 kg/head. We’ve never had better intakes of starter feed before, the palatability of the feed has resulted in improved calves’ appetite and has made the transition on to rearer nuts much easier. In addition to feed intakes, since moving to the feed, which contains NIS (Nutritionally Improved Straw) - exclusive to Wynnstay - there’s been an improvement in dung consistency.”

Andrew and Angela Barraclough

Gatelands Farm, near Penrith

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CALF TEAM SERVICES Our dedicated Calf Specialists can offer advice on any aspect of youngstock management, colostrum management, selecting the best milk replacer and advice on housing and equipment.

Other services include: • Bespoke feeding protocols • Wynngold™ Calf Metrics (weighing

and measuring) • LifeStart Events • Calf Signals Workshops • Advice on nutrition from birth to

bulling

A reporting service relating to calves from birth to first calving; it weighs, monitors and reports the performance of your herd replacements.

Wynnstay Calf and Dairy Specialists regularly take weights and heights of a group of calves (which can be different ones each visit). The weights and heights are then plotted against the target height and weight of the calves which is farm specific.

The service gathers not just the age, weight and height of hundreds of calves but also records the feeding regime, feeding rate, type of milk replacer and other management practices so that the database created can help all the participants to see which systems produce the best strategy.

Ultimately Wynngold CalfMetricsTM is a monitoring resource available to Wynnstay customers that produces sound physical data on which the rearer can make sound management decisions.

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CALF FEEDING EQUIPMENT Holm & Laue 100 Computerised Calf Feeder

Standard ‘start up package’ includes 50 collars

Volac Urban Milk Shuttle

Volac Urban U40 Computerised Calf Feeder

100L, 150L, 200L and 250L

Feeds up to 50 calves

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Wydale Milk Mixer and Trolley

Wydale Static Milk Mixer 110L

35042

Wydale Mobile Milk Mixer 110L

34951

Holm & Laue Pasteuriser and Milk Taxi

100L, 150L and 260L, non-pasteuriser version also available

Heatwave® Milk Warmer Contents: • Heatwave storage box and Heatwave

heat exchange 25L tank • Four Super Suckler bayonet fittings

including four calf teats (+ kit for

fitting) • Two teat bars + fixings • Hand Pump for cleaning, and inlet

fittings (tubes, weights fitters,

contractors) + four teats

Feeds up to 30 calves Heatwave

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®

Milk Warmer

60625

Wydale Calf Feeder

Milk Bar Feeder

ement Replac teats le availab

10 compartments with 2.5L capacity Milk Bar Feeder 10 Compartments

50162

Milk Warmer

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Hangs on the calf pen gate so that teats are level with calves’ back Each compartment can hold 3L Dimensions: 1270 x 510 x 340mm Weight: 9.5kg

Wydale Calf Feeder - 5 Teats

36673

Speedy Calf Feeder

Heats 100L from 17°C to 37°C in 1 hour Milk Warmer

46885

Trusti-Tuber Calf Drencher •

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Kinder, safer and easy to use Length of tube can be adjusted

NEW 2.5L, 4L, Drench Adaptor available

Trusti-Tuber Calf Drencher Kit

70415

Trusti ‘suckle up’ Calf Bottle

70416

Trusti Cap and Teat

70417

Speedy Feeder - 2.5L

14170

Speedy Feeder - 4L

50602

Speedy Feeder Drench Adaptor

50445

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For further information, please contact your local Calf Specialist:

Rebecca Davies - Senior Calf Specialist - South Wales m: 07881 093633 e: rebecca.davies@wynnstay.co.uk @richardscalf1 Sandy Wilson - Calf Specialist - North, West & Mid Wales m: 07879 841672 e: sandy.wilson@wynnstay.co.uk @petticoatcalves Jess Charlton - Calf Specialist - Shropshire, Cheshire, Staffordshire m: 07990 584740 e: jess.charlton@wynnstay.co.uk @charltoncalf1 Eimear Diamond - Calf Specialist - South & South West England m: 07881 379008 e: eimear.diamond@wynnstay.co.uk @diamondcalf1 Millie Hendy - Calf Specialist - Somerset, Gloucestershire, Midlands m: 07717 495746 e: millie.hendy@wynnstay.co.uk @hendycalf1 Download our Focus on Calves publication, read the latest calf news, or to sign up to our blog please visit

www.wynnstaydairy.uk @WynnstayGroup Wynnstay (Agricultural Supplies) Ltd • Eagle House • Llansantffraid • Powys • SY22 6AQ Part of Wynnstay Group Plc, Eagle House, Llansantffraid, Powys, SY22 6AQ Telephone: 01691 828512 • Email: info@wynnstay.co.uk • www.wynnstay.co.uk Registered in England and Wales Vat Reg No. 168 7221 87 Registration No: 5009019 Registration No. 2704051

Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the details supplied in this publication are correct, Wynnstay cannot be held responsible for any inaccurate information.

Information contained within this publication should be used as a guide only, please seek specialist advice before purchasing. Photography and product images used 20within this publication have been used as a guide only.

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