3 important reasons why you should consider calf starter
During the first weeks of life calves depend on the milk they receive. Next to milk it is crucial that calves start to consume dry feed as soon as possible. This is necessary to learn them to eat it but also to let their digestive system get used to solid feed.
The first reason to feed calf starter is rumen development. In the period between 1 week and reaching the age of 6 months, the rumen size of a Holstein dairy calf should have increased about 20 fold. This means that the ration should not only support calf growth, but also calf rumen development in early stages of life. An excellent quality calf starter, provided ad libitum, will increase growth but also result in good rumen development.
The second important reason is to avoid a weaning dip. Calves should not be weaned if they do not consume at least 1.5 kg of starter feed per day. To reach this level, calf starter should be made available from 2 weeks of age onwards. Be aware that water should be always available, because it is needed to digest the dry calf starter feed. For every kg of calf starter, the calf needs to drink about 4 litres of water.
Last, but certainly not the least important reason, is that dairy calves utilize nutrients (from milk and dry feed) extremely efficient while they are young. This increased feed efficiency is valid up to 4 months of age. This means that in young dairy calves, feeding schedules with high planes of nutrition result in an excellent return on investment. A high average daily weight gain in the period before and after weaning results in an earlier age at first breeding, a significant increase in average daily life time production and a reduced culling rate in first and second lactation.
Sprayfo
Calf rearing
Science-based solutions for optimum dairy performance
SPRAYFO DELTA
Sprayfo Delta has been developed with whole milk as the biological reference, mixing the best of whole milk with the best of calf milk replacers (CMRs). Inspired by saleable milk, Sprayfo Delta is high in fat, ensuring calves gets a high level of energy. Combined with a perfect balance of vitamins and minerals calves will get the best possible start in life.
SPRAYFO ROYAL
With its superior quality and a milk powder content of 50% Sprayfo Royal is a front-rank LifeStart endorsed calf milk replacer in the market. Sprayfo Royal contributes to problem-free calf rearing: calves will drink it enthusiastically, show optimal health and grow maximally.
SPRAYFO EXCELLENT
Sprayfo Excellent is a LifeStart endorsed high-quality calf milk replacer for dairy farmers who place the highest demands on their calf rearing. With Sprayfo Excellent you can elevate concentrations to a high level: up to 150 grams per litre of milk.
SPRAYFO VITESSE
Sprayfo Vitesse is a LifeStart endorsed calf milk replacer for dairy farmers who place the highest demands on their calf rearing. Sprayfo Vitesse is easily digestible and very suitable to elevate concentrations up to 150 grams per litre of milk.
SPRAYFO YELLOW
A LifeStart endorsed calf milk replacer for dairy farmers who opt for a familiar and trusted formula. Your step into the professional league of calf rearing.
SPRAYFO BLUE
Sprayfo Blue provides a well-balanced blend for proper calf rearing. Sprayfo Blue is based on unique spray-dried whey-fat kernels. Following the Sprayfo feeding and mixing advice your calves will develop well in the first few months.
SPRAYFO RED
Sprayfo Red is a calf milk replacer for economical and secure calf rearing. Sprayfo Red is very easily dissolved due to the unique spray-drying production process. It can be fed as from day 10 after birth.
SPRAYFO eVITO
Coming soon! Sprayfo e-Vito is the first energised calf starter feed that is being develop by Trouw Nutrition. Two trials in Holstein dairy calves have been carried out to date. In the first trial, carried out by IRTA in Spain, it was established that mixing in 10% energised calf starter pellet into the normal calf starter gives optimal results.
SPRAYFO AVANTA
Sprayfo Avanta Calf Starter is based on research and experience resulting in a balanced formulation and when combined with Sprayfo calf milk replacers, Sprayfo Avanta is the basis for the best rumen development for calves in the first months: facilitating trouble free weaning and the best growth up to an age of 4 months.
SPRAYFO COLOSTRUM
In case of low quality or quantity colostrum on farm, an alternative to natural colostrum can be provided with Sprayfo Colostrum: a feed material perfectly suitable to be provided as a colostrum replacer or supplement for calves.
SPRAYFO HYDRAFIT
Sprayfo HydraFit is a complementary feed for ruminants that provides the needed salts and sugars in the right amounts and in the correct ratio. HydraFit uses a method with a pending patent that allows for fast intake of water and supply of electrolytes and maintain hydration status.
SPRAYFO OSMOFIT
Sprayfo OsmoFit is a dietetic complementary feed for calves, developed to stabilize the water and electrolyte balance to support physiological digestion in case of diarrhoea. This patent pending formula allows for effective recovery and correction of metabolic acidosis.
