Once the calf is moved to the calf pen after two three litre feeds of colostrum, it is fed calf milk replacer through a milk bar teat feeder. Mr Baggs says: “We keep calves in small groups and pay them close attention during this vulnerable time, making sure they are nice and robust before they go into larger groups on the computerised feeder.”
From 24 hours, they are also offered hay in racks, as well as creep feed and water, which together help with their rumen development.
Once moved into groups of 20 at about two to three weeks old, they are fed ad lib through a Lely Calm feeder, which can dispense in small portions and increase overall intake.
The choice of milk replacer is critical to both calf health and growth and, for this, Mr Baggs opts to use ForFarmers 26% VITAMILK HiPro Heifer.
Ms Coombes says: “This powder has high levels of digestible protein and contains a generous amount of minerals, vitamins and trace elements, and the specialist health package, Care+. “This includes the herbs fenugreek, eucalyptus, pine, mint and echinacea, which help improve gut and respiratory health and overall immunity.”
A further boost to gut health, and rumen development in particular, comes through the farm’s use of ForFarmers Calf Complete nut. Ms Coombes says: “This has been formulated to achieve quick rumen development and high liveweight gains. It has the addition of the live yeast, Levucell, which stabilises and helps develop a healthy rumen.”
Introduced at about five to six weeks of age, calves remain on this nut until after weaning. This helps maintain the optimum rumen pH and ensures there is no check in growth at this time of change. Mr Baggs says: “We aim to wean at 10 weeks and 100kg, but if there are calves which have not kept up their growth, we can extend their plan.