Calf nutrition

Karen Fraser has spent years helping dairy farmers improve calf rearing through practical, science-based advice. Anne Lee speaks with the Farmlands Technical Specialist and Calf Experts co-founder about the foundations of successful calf rearing, from colostrum management and the five Qs of colostrum to early-life nutrition and milk feeding.

Dr Ajmal Khan has spent more than a decade researching calf rearing, investigating how early-life nutrition and management influence the health, productivity and lifetime performance of dairy animals. Anne Lee speaks with the Bioeconomy Science Institute scientist about his latest research into colostrum management, milk feeding and pre-weaning growth, and why getting those first days and weeks right can have lasting benefits for calf health, milk production, longevity and farm profitability.

A busy calving season is underway across the country, and for farmers calf nutrition will be top of mind. In this episode we look at the different ways to develop your calf’s rumen, to raise healthy and feed-efficient cows. Hear from Jacqueline McGowan from DairyNZ about developing the rumen; Grant Jackson from SealesWinslow about raising feed-efficient cows; and Penelope Drysdale, a Manawatū farmer, about how integrating an organics system has benefitted her herd’s health.