Preweaning daily weight gain of a calf has been shown to have a significant impact on heifer milk production during the first lactation. This effect on dairy heifer first lactation has been demonstrated via numerous trials in recent years. The effect on the preweaning daily gain of calves as well as the effect on milk production in the first lactation of heifers varied between these trials. A trial carried out at the Trouw Nutrition Ruminant Research Centre “Kempenshof” showed that a LifeStart feeding schedule during the first eight weeks of life resulted in a higher milk yield, a higher milk fat yield and a higher feed intake in heifers during their first lactation (See figures 1 to 3).
Figures 1 to 3: A LifeStart feeding schedule during the first 8 weeks of life resulted in a higher milk yield (see figure 1) and a higher milk fat yield (see figure 2). It was also shown that the higher level of production was related to a higher feed intake (see figure 3).
Trouw Nutrition is dedicated to optimize calf rearing principles by developing science based solutions that will enable dairy farmers to produce in a more sustainable way. Together with our global network of scientific institutes, we share solutions to deal with common challenges of the dairy industry.
In 2014 Trouw Nutrition initiated the Kempenshof LifeStart trial in which calves are monitored from birth until the end of their productive life. This trial still continues today.
Our team will share their latest findings and results as well as other important information related to calf rearing from around the world.
