December 2015 - Crediton Milling

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DECEMBER 2015
Issue 17
WHEN IT COMES TO GROWING/FINISHING
CATTLE OR ACHIEVING HIGH PERFORMANCE
FROM YOUR HEIFERS, THERE MAY JUST BE A
SILENT PERFORMANCE KILLER PREVENTING
YOU FROM GETTING THERE . . .
I’ve been around a long time now and clearly I must be getting older as I seem to
have started reminiscing about home a lot! However, a bit of experience is never
a bad thing and sometimes reflection on events can be a powerful tool in moving
your business forward. I try my best to look back subjectively on a regular basis
about what has or has not worked over the last few years and what might have
affected any results or performance on farm.
As much as I would like to say we have made big strides in terms of lameness control
on most of our units, there remains a worryingly high residual rate of digital dermatitis (DD) on a large proportion of our farms. That also
applies to many of our beef units too, especially if they are beef cattle on a mixed dairy enterprise.
DD is a much underestimated issue. The reality is that high rates within milking herds will undoubtedly reduce output and longevity of
the cattle. It has a great ability to cause a number of knock on problems like under run soles and exaggerated heel erosion, that require
precise and regular trimming to overcome.
Worryingly, we are seeing a number of herds getting constant flares of outbreaks throughout the year. This would often appear to stem
from a lack of DD control in dry cow groups and increasingly it is stemming from a high infection rate in maiden heifers. Most people
will feel that they are doing an adequate amount to control DD in their herd, but not many are doing anything with their heifers or dry
cows. Let’s not forget too, that we are seeing a number of beef herds suffering with DD too and that is undoubtedly extending their
time to finish.
These issues have lead us to look closely at ways of controlling
DD and working with partners that have a longer term outlook
on trying to solve the problem. We have a close affiliation with
Zinpro and have used complexed organic minerals such as their
Availa®Zn in our hi-spec minerals for a number of years to improve
horn growth, skin recovery and keratin teat plug formation, but it
also has a significant additional plus of increasing feed conversion
efficiency, particularly in beef finishing systems.
The team at Zinpro have been working on a theory for the last 10
years that they could restrict the effect of DD in all systems if they
could reduce its spread during its earliest opportunities to infect
young animals. Their strategy is not confined to a foot bathing one.
It uses foot bathing as a control measure in the event of an outbreak,
but does not rely solely on a regular daily or weekly bathing routine.
Instead it relies on specific mineral uptake according to size of animal during its early months and years of life.
This specific mineral is the result of a raft of research work stemming back from beyond the last ten years, reinforced by peer reviewed
trial data put together from more than 20 clinical field evaluations across America as well as Europe that replicated the initial scientific
(continued overleaf)
Fordton Mills • Crediton • Devon • EX17 3DH
t
01363 772212
f
01363 775009
(continued from overleaf)
research studies. This means that they are the only company with data to show the use their mineral supplement (Availa®Plus) has
demonstrated a 60% decrease in the incidence of DD in pre-calved heifers as well as increasing milk production from the heifers in their
first year of lactation by up to 550kg.
For those of you with beef cattle the Availa®Zn data has shown a
consistent improvement in daily live weight gain alongside a
decrease in the feed conversion that amounts to an economic return
in excess of 16:1.
As Availa®Zn is a major part of Availa®Plus beef finishers around the
world have reported less health challenges and a reduction in DD
alongside an increase in feed efficiency.
We have decided to run with a specific feed system for pre-bulling
and then post bulling animals and dry cows. There will also be a
supplement that will allow you to add the product at the required
rate into a TMR mix. The cost of treatment over the initial six month
pre-calving period will cost around 2.6p per day whilst giving a
typical return in the first lactation of 14:1 in milk alone.
DAIRY EVENT 2015
To do this properly requires some discussion, as Availa®Plus is a
treatment purely for non-lactating animals. A strategy to maintain
the efficacy of the original treatment throughout their milking life
requires some thought, but we are more than happy to put the time
and effort into what we believe is a significant step forward towards
total control of DD in your herds. Likewise, we are comfortable
with discussing the positives of using Zinpro minerals in our cakes
or in your TMR. In a difficult climate, influencing health traits and
performance efficiency are critical to your sustainability and success.
As always the dairy event falls on
the first Wednesday in October
and is a great show to wind up
the showing season.
The time seems to fly faster each year from
when we start with the Royal Cornwall in
June, to the Dairy event in October. This
event is a great opportunity for us to offer
our hospitality to all of our customers and
to show our appreciation for your customer
throughout the year.
Each year we see the show increasing
in the amount of new trade stands and
it continues to offer the dairy farmer a
comprehensive range of knowledge in
many areas of the industry.
The eye has something to behold with the
excellent quality of dairy Cattle at the show
which is always turned out to the highest
standards with entry
numbers in excess of
This chart shows a reduction of 50% in DD
Pete Davis
Ruminant Nutritionist
M 07872 970635
E pete@creditonmilling.co.uk
@Cow247Pete
300. I don’t envy the judges on what must
be a very difficult task in picking the winner
each time.
Congratulations to our customs who enter
these classes and come away with some
very good results.
Each year we have additional new faces on
the sales team, which brings along with it
fresh new customers which is always good
to see making our box even more cosy and
spilling over into the main walkway or the
neighbouring stand as the pictures show.
We look forward to welcoming
you all onto the stand again at the
Royal Cornwall Show when we start
the season all over again before we
know it!
Trevor Bedford - Ruminant Specialist
Devon & Gloucester
M 07971 123982
E trevorbedford@creditonmilling.co.uk
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EWE PERFORMANCE THIS WINTER
After a good grassy year, we are still seeing plenty of grass in
the near future and ewes in good condition. This not a reason to
short change their nutrition in the coming months.
It is difficult, in a year with poor lamb prices, a lot of grass and
a general negative atmosphere in the industry, not to look for
shortcuts to feeding but the more lambs that leave the farm
the more profitable the business will be. As long as cost of
production doesn’t exceed the price you get for lamb. Feeding
the correct level of nutrition, at specific times can make a
difference to your total Lambs sold.
For those of you with rams in now and are feeding ewes, in which
ever way (quality grass/forage, compound feed etc) research
has shown that maintaining the ewes plane of nutrition for
the first 15-30 days post tupping is essential to ensure embryo
implantation to the lining of the womb. At this stage, major
changes in nutrition can lead to embryos being lost and effect
your scanning and number of lambs born. This also goes for
mineral levels pre tupping and through gestation. Supplying
the correct level of minerals during tupping, and after the tups
have come out can be as if not more beneficial than feeding.
Selenium, copper, Iodine, and cobalt all have their part to play
in optimising ewe fertility.
As your ewes get closer to lambing the nutritional requirements
will grow rapidly, especially their energy requirements. 70%
of foetal growth occurs in the last 6-8 weeks of pregnancy,
so ensuring you meet the ewe’s energy requirements is very
important. In a grassy year it can be very tempting to cut feeding
pre lambing to save money, this could be a false economy, as
feeding less or not at all can lead to complications. Pregnancy
Toxaemia (Twin Lamb disease), lack of milk, small lambs
with little vigour and poor quality colostrum are all possible
outcomes of short changing energy requirements. As the lambs
reach full size in the womb they apply a lot of pressure on the
rumen, taking up space in the ewe. This means that the ewe is
unable to eat enough forage to meet her daily requirement for
energy, not to mention the additional requirement of the lambs
she is carrying. Feeding something with a high energy density
will ensure the ewe is not pulling condition off her back to
maintain the lambs, running the risk of Twin Lamb Disease etc.
Testing conserved forages to check energy levels is a good Idea
especially if lambing indoors. This can be put into a feed plan
to ensure you get the best from your ewes and give the lambs
a good start.
Feeding post lambing is also important as it take the ewe
3-4weeks to reach peak milk yield, so supplementing their
forage intakes with a concentrate will ensure the ewe do not
lose too much condition, which could compromise condition
when returning to the rams.
Monitoring of condition score and weight of your ewe from
pre tupping right through to post lambing will give you a much
more accurate idea of ewe health (judging by eye can be as
much as 20% out). Ewes should only loose ½ a condition score
during pregnancy and target not to lose any condition while
nursing lambs.
For more information please
contact the office or Joe Banks
Joe Banks
Beef & Sheep Specialist
M 07885 367440
E Joe.banks@creditonmilling.co.uk
INVESTING IN THE FUTURE
Congratulations to the Foote Family at Chynoweth Farm, St Allen, Truro
in commissioning their 3rd Delaval robotic milking unit. This investment
following an earlier installation of 2 Delaval Robots last year.
The Foote family have been farming at Chynoweth for over 18 years, farming some 472 acres of mixed crops and
grassland. Within this acreage the farm grows 110 acres of maize for silage and 62 of Lucerne. This food being
used for the farm’s dairy herd as well as it’s dairy heifer rearing enterprise amassing to more than 470 head in total.
Currently the business has a milking herd 260 Holstein Fresian cows, yielding 8900 litres at 4.15% Butter Fat and
3.41% Protein, recorded by “Kingshay Dairy Manager” costing service. Lately the farm has focused on increasing
milk production without seeing the usual corresponding increase in feed rate. Over the last 12 months, the herd
has produced an extra 400 litres more milk per cow whilst reducing purchased feed costs by some £200 per cow,
making more milk from home grown forage.
We are proud to be associated with the Foote family and look
forward to working with them and making the most of their
new Robotic milking facilities.
Steve Chapman, SC Nutrition
Dairy Specialist - Cornwall
M 07718 086911
E steve@scnutrition.com
walk
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Robert & James Foote in fro
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Delaval Robotic
calf accelerator
2015 WHEAT SUMMARY
Well, apart from a few odd bits of maize and wheat hanging out until october in Scotland,
the national harvest for 2015 is nearly all in. Delayed crop maturity and temperamental
weather made for one of the latest harvests in recent years but the ideal growing conditions
earlier on in the season have made for a larger crop than last year, which is also well up on
the 10 year average.
Nationally the wheat yield is estimated to be 12-14% up on the 10 year average
Usually it is anticipated that the protein level decreases as the yield increases. However, this
year, despite the large yield, there seems to have been no dilution to the protein content.
It must be stressed that these figures are averages and that there is huge variations between areas (with the late harvested Scottish
Wheat coming in really low in protein) and also within areas (7.2-12.3% protein) This emphasises the need for local analysis and accurate
assessment of the wheat being used and its relative values.
There has also been a fractional increase in energy values. This is because a larger yield usually has the consequence of a higher starch
content - hence energy
All in all it looks like the quality of the wheat this year is pretty good, certainly above parr - and there’s plenty of it to go around!
The graphs below show this year vs last 10 years:
CMC Wheat
7500/6
Exeter Devon
1175306
JV15002
CMC Wheat
7221/3
1175309
JV15005
CMC Wheat
Kingsbridge
Devon
1175310
JV15006
CMC Wheat
Openfield
Somerset
1175311
JV15007
CMC Wheat
Newquay
Cornwall
1175312
JV15008
CMC Wheat
Crediton
Devon
1175313
JV15009
CMC Wheat
South
Somerset
1175314
JV15010
Moisture (%)
14.1
14.5
14.4
13.1
13.6
13.6
Dry Matter (%)
85.90
85.50
85.60
86.90
86.40
Ash (%)
1.6
1.4
1.5
1.4
1.5
Crude Protein (%)
9.8
10.2
10.5
8.9
Oil (B) %
1.66
2.66
2.37
Crude Fibre (%)
2.2
2.2
2.4
12.84
12.88
12.82
MEAN
2015
MEAN
2014
MEAN
2013
14.3
13.94
13.2
13.1
86.40
85.70
86.06
86.8
86.9
1.8
1.3
1.50
1.19
1.83
9.7
11.3
10.9
10.19
9.20
10.93
2.3
2.19
2.14
2.24
2.22
2.20
2.28
2
2.2
2.2
2.2
2.20
2.69
2.27
0.24
0.25
13.11
12.97
12.91
12.89
12.92
13.01
12.98
Phosphorus (%)
AMEn (MJ/kg)
Russell Crang
Poultry Director, South West
M 07971 123981
E russellcrang@creditonmilling.co.uk
CUTCOMBE MARKET ESCRA
TWO DAY CALF SALE
Monday 2nd and Tuesday 3rd of
November saw the annual Exmoor
Suckle Calf Rearers’s Association sale at
Cutcombe market with 1440 entries.
for best pen went to Mr B. Bartlett of
Adcombe farm, who received the Crediton
Milling Challenge Shield and £50 worth of
feed.
The Monday was steer day with 757 Steers
for mixed origin come through the market,
with R.F & S.A. Davey of Lyshwell Farm,
winning the Crediton Milling Challenge
Shield for Best Pen of Steers and £50 worth
of CMC Feed in bags.
Mr Bartlett won the price with a beautifully
turned out pen of Charolais X Heifers that
made £740 @ 335Kg.
Mr Davey turned out a fantastic pen of
Charolais X steers that made £889 @ 415Kg.
Well done to all entries and great to see
a local market being well supported.
Tuesday was the
turn of the Heifers
with 683 being
entered. The price
In all trade was good with price for steers
up to 310p/kg live and heifers up to 248.9p/
kg liveweight.
Joe Banks - Beef & Sheep Specialist
M 07885 367440
E Joe.banks@creditonmilling.co.uk
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SHOP AROUND FOR
FORAGE ADVICE
Forage has suddenly become
sexy again, maybe that’s taking
it a little too far, but it certainly
is taking up a lot of column
inches at the moment. With
pressure on prices, it comes as
no surprise that making more
of what you produce yourself
has become a favourite topic.
I think that most you are well aware by
now of the benefits of having better
forage and let’s face it no one goes
out with the intention of making poor
silages or not getting the most out of
their grazing ground.
So why is it that production figures
from forage have stagnated over the
last 10 years? I believe a big part of the
reason is planning. When our animals
aren’t performing in the winter or we
look at a poor analysis result, we tend
to procrastinate, using the phrase “I
must do something about that” but, like
all busy people, when the time comes
there are always other priorities. The key
advice here seems to be having someone
who is interested enough in your farm to
guide you in the right direction, but not
to nag you so much that you hide when
they come up the farm drive.
cost. They spend more on fertiliser, more
on reseeding and more on additive/
ensiling. Trying to increase production
from forage when it is in the clamp or
bale is a little late in the day.
The focus on maximising home grown
feed has always been an integral
part to our message. 3 years ago we
decided to take this further by creating
a dedicated forage business offering a
tailored service for your farm, with 4 key
specialists covering the South West.
The truth of the matter is that forage
can be very expensive. We very often
If you would like one of our specialists
hear that it is the cheapest form of feed,
to come to help you build a plan and
but that is only the case when we grow
then implement it then please ring
enough of it to dilute the costs of growing
01363 772212.
it. The thing that
all
producers
Matt Rance
who are getting
Forage & Nutrition Specialist
higher
outputs
M 07809 306571
from forage have
E matt.rance@creditonmilling.co.uk
in common is that
@morefromforage
they have higher
OPTIGRAZE
THE GRAZING
FERTILISER
✓ Nitrogen ✓ Sulphur ✓ Sodium ✓ Trace elements
Enhanced fertiliser, not enhanced prices
EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE THROUGH
Telephone 01363 772212
?? COMPETITION TIME ??
Can you spot the
feed rep? Is it the
one smoking or
might it be the one
with the perm?
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Ring or email in your
answers to go into
the draw with the
winner revealed in
the next edition.
The winner of last
month competition
was Mr Rowe of
Higher Uphay
Uphay. His
name was picked
out of the hat and
he wins 6 bags of
Calf Accelerator.
cattle
calf accelerator
INVESTING IN THE FUTURE
The Blowey family farm at Higher Woodley near Tavistock.
Phil is the third generation and dairy farms with his parents
Peter and Judith. All three work very hard to achieve the
same goal which is to get the maximum from their holding.
Phil works seasonally away from the farm shearing sheep
or helping a local contractor and Judith runs a busy B&B
business. Their love for cows and farming really comes
across whenever you speak to them with their drive to make
it work.
Until about two years ago Peter always fed his cows with
three or four different straights, mixing them together with a
ton mill and mixer which was very time consuming and hard
work. After some convincing he changed to using a compound
in the parlour and blends in the feeder wagon and it is true to
say that he never looked back. Cow yields have increased by
about a 1000 litres a cow and milk from forage has risen by
2000 litres a cow. Although the cost per ton of feed has gone
up slightly, feeding less of it has produced far better results
on their 100 cows. This helped them to decide to invest in the
future and make life better for themselves and the cattle.
A new herringbone 20/20 automated parlour has been put in along with an extension on the shed to give
room for another 20 cows. A new calf rearing house, new dry cow and calving accommodation has been
added. They have revamped the housing for bulling heifers with new cubicles and beds so, all told, it is a
major overhaul of the set-up.
Already after one month of using their new investments they see a lot of improvements with cow flow,
increased yields, less milking time and more enjoyable working conditions for the family.
John Cann - Dairy Nutrition Specialist
M 07971 123984
E john.cann@creditonmilling.co.uk
Christmas
New Year Planning
To assist us with our production and transport
planning we would appreciate your orders in by:
Friday 11th December for Pre Christmas Delivery
Friday 18th December for Pre New Year Delivery
inspire
We will be manufacturing throughout
the festive period, however the office will
be closed on bank holidays. On these
occasions please contact your
representative for assistance.
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Glad tidin
to all
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CMC add nationally renowned Britmilk
Calf Milk Powders to their range
Always striving to enhance our product offering to the farming community CMC are pleased to announce
that they are now able to add the full range of Britmilk Calf Milk Replacers to their current milk powder range,
offering a comprehensive range of the highest quality whey and skim milk replacers at very cost effective prices.
FEEDING MILK REPLACERS
New research shows that achieving high weight gains of 0.8kg per day through additional milk replacer in the first 8-10 weeks
will reap benefits of over 500 litres plus in the 1st lactation. Maintaining this weight right through will mean heifers calving @ 2224 months with big savings in capital outlays (housing etc) and faster return on investment.
Britmilk calf milks are based on the highest quality skim and whey together with top quality fats (palm,
coconut, omega 3, soya oil). The fats are fully homogenised into small globules to enable maximum
digestibility for optimum performance. All Britmilk calf milks contain probiotics, prebiotics, polyclonal
antibodies and vitamin/mineral l pack to maintain healthy calves. When feeding once a day (after 28 days)
it is recommended to use a Skim based milk replacer.
As well as being able to supply their own range of computerised calf feeders Britmilk calk milks are also
compatible with the majority other calf feeders with free flow versions available if required.
Make sure you understand the mixing instructions, 125 grms per litre means 125 grms to make a litre, so
875 ml of warm water plus 125 grms of milk powder to make a litre of milk replacer.
Finally Britmilk Vitalamb lamb milk replacer now in stock, containing proteins from the highest quality milk products. It’s
specifically chosen oil and fats plus minerals/vitamins supplement makes it an excellent choice for young lambs.
Please contact your local sales
representative or Graham Dodd for details
and prices on the full range of powders.
SPECIAL
OFFER
Terms and conditions apply
Graham Dodd
E Graham.dodd@creditonmilling.co.uk
M 07809 306362
Order a full pallet of Britmilk Calf Milk Powder
for delivery before Christmas and receive a
high quality calf jacket FREE OF CHARGE
On the 1st November we were very pleased to welcome
a new member to our poultry team, David Oram
Dave and his wife Carolyn have 3 sons Tom, Archie and Charlie and daughter Millie
as well as a grand daughter Sophia and they farm near Henley in Somerset.
Dave brings with him a wealth of experience in the poultry industry having been in it for many years.
Brought up on the family farm, he showed great enthusiasm for agriculture, always helping out on the
farm when he could. After finishing school Dave decided to try his hand at sales with Agricentre selling
a range of products to the industry. This proved to be a success which triggered a move to Sheldon
Jones selling feed (with our own Robin Wale). After many successful years selling feed Dave decided
David Oram
on a new challenge and joined Cyanamid Animal Health in the early 90’s. This is where Dave decided
on a change of career and retrained as a poultry specialist concentrating on selling anticoccidials into
the broiler industry. In 1998 Roche Animal Health bought out Cyanamid Animal Health and Dave was made national accounts manager.
In 1992 Dave inherited the family farm which rears 100 head of cattle for Waitrose and decided to diversify into producing free range
eggs. They joined John Bowler group and built a 12,000 bird unit. After 2 flocks it was agreed to go independent from John Bowler and
he started supplying Blackacre eggs who they are still with to this day. In 2011 his son Archie returned from Sparsholt College to work on
the farm enabling Dave to return to work in sales to which he was pleased to do as he missed the interaction of selling. This is when he
joined Lloyds animal feed heading up their southern operations for poultry. Now Dave has joined us, and gives a greater strength and
depth to the poultry team as well as to the whole at CMC.
Dave has many interests including shooting and skittles but mainly enjoying family life and spending time with his granddaughter
Sophia as well as watching Charlie play football.
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calf accelerator
In comparison with cattle, calves are much more sensitive to cold weather, due to having a larger surface area in
relation to body weight. This allows for rapid heat loss, causing calves to be less tolerant to cold temperatures.
When temperatures decrease and approach freezing, the maintenance energy needs of the calf increases. As a result, the calf will be
using so much energy and body reserves to keep warm, subsequently decreasing growth rates. Furthermore, the stress of using body
tissue to maintain energy levels causes the immune system to be depressed and less responsive to disease/health challenges.
If cold weather management is not executed, energy resources will be diverted from growth and immune function, therefore calves will
not gain weight, and will be more susceptible to disease.
WHO IS MOST AT RISK?
• New born calves
o A calf which is born on a cold day, will take longer to stand up and feed, and it is thought that a new born calf’s
ability to absorb antibodies during cold weather is reduced.
• Small/young calves (under 3 wks.) are most vulnerable, as they are born with only 3% body fat and minimal energy
reserves.
• As the calf ages, it will develop heat producing abilities:
o Calves who have started eating starter feed, will have the benefit of rumination which conserves heat.
o An older calf will have thicker skin and more subcutaneous fat which will act as insulation.
THERMO-NEUTRAL ZONE . . .
EXTRA FEED: Feeding an extra meal can allow you to feed a higher
concentration without predisposing the calf to a digestive upset.
• It would be beneficial, to feed an extra meal at night, when
temperatures are at their lowest.
o The warmth and energy from milk will have the greatest benefit
when it is most needed.
o If too labour intensive, only feed calves which need an extra meal
(Under 3 wks.)
CONCENTRATION: As a general rule of thumb, for every 1°C below
15°C, an extra 11g of milk replacer is required.
• Visit this link: www.calfnotes.com/downloads/AddedCMR.xls to
calculate your own calf rearing situation, with regards to calf weight,
temperature and age of calf.
• REMEMBER: Allow nutritional changes to be made gradually to
minimise stress & digestive upsets. Monitor calves throughout the
changes; some calves may struggle with extra calories.
WATER: Providing clean water will encourage calves to eat more
starter which will supply additional energy and the heat of
rumination will help to heat the calf.
• Ideally, provide warm water (more than 39˚C) within 30
mins of milk feeding, so the calf does not have to use
energy to warm up the water.
Jenny Ashton - Technical Support
M 07860 776624
E Jenny.ashton @creditonmilling.co.uk
@jennyashtonCMC
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NUTRITION: To maintain growth rates in cold weather, feed more
energy:
• Calves under 3 wks. will have little or no rumen function, so the
extra energy will have to come from the milk source.
• This can be achieved by either feeding an extra feed or keeping the
same number of feeds but feeding at a higher concentration.
• REMEMBER: Feed milk at body temperature (39˚C)
HOUSING: A wind chill will often be a couple of degrees colder than
the actual temperature, therefore provide housing which allows the
calf to escape the wind, preferably where the calf lies down; this can
be achieved with a wind break. Also, avoid drafts, as these encourage
heat loss.
BEDDING: A dry bed is very important; in the first 3 weeks, a calf
will lie down for approx. 19hrs. Even at week 6, a calf is lying down
for approx. 17hrs despite being more active.
• A calf will feel the cold more in a damp environment, therefore
maintain a dry bed.
• Provide enough bedding so that the calf is able to nest into, ideally
with no legs showing.
• If a calf has to lie on a cold surface, heat will be transferred from
the body to the resting area. A warm, dry insulated area must be
provided to separate the calf from the cold ground, ensuring energy
is not used for keeping warm.
o A concrete wall can have the same
consequence, so consider straw bales for
insulation.
CALF JACKETS: These do an excellent job on
keeping young calves warm, and are very
useful for calves under 3 wks. old, as they
are not ruminating to conserve heat just yet.
• Sick calves or any small calves (twins/heifers
calves/early) will also benefit from jackets.
• Be careful when temperatures fluctuate; calves may sweat during
the day, which can then cause the calf to develop chills overnight.
duck
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Designed and Printed by Kingsley PM. T 07974 753154
WHAT IS IT? The Thermo-Neutral (TN) Zone is the temperature range in which the calf is comfortable and maintaining
its body temperature without using any additional energy.
• At temperatures below the TN zone, calves will use their internal energy reserves to maintain their core body temp
of 38.8˚C.
• General TN zone for a calf is 10˚C-26˚C, however small & young calves (under 3 wks.) are most at risk in environmental
extremes and can experience cold stress at temperatures below 15.5˚C.
• GUIDELINE: The calf’s TN zone is very similar to humans, so if you need a jumper, the calves are most likely feeling the
cold too!
• LCT: Lower critical temperature: the actual temperature felt by the calf (LCT of a day old calf: 13.4˚C)
• When the temp drops below the LCT, energy demand increases, and the calf responds by either reducing its growth rate or supressing its
immune response.