Getting it right can be the difference between strong, powerful calves that you never have to touch again or weak calves, which continually present issues such as pneumonia throughout their lifetime.
Graham Sclater, Lower Hobbister, Stenness, Orkney is a third generation farmer who runs a herd of 230 suckler cows, predominantly Simmental crosses put to a Charolais bull on a spring calving regime. Sold as forward yearlings, the heaviest cattle go through the ring at Thainstone from late February through to May and the remainder sold at Kirkwall auction mart in the autumn.
Previously, Graham used soya in his pre-calving ration. On the advice of Fraser Moar from J & W Tait, he replaced it with Ruminant GreenGold. Originally made as a replacement for fishmeal, it includes a high concentration of rumen by-pass protein, omega 3 oils and seaweed to boost colostrum quality and quantity and subsequent calf immunity.
“We have been feeding it for a number of years now, feeding for four weeks pre-calving. Our calves are up, on their feet and sucking. They’re fine because they have had that fill of colostrum.”
If calves are a bit slow to get going following a stressful calving or a twin birth, Graham will tube them with colostrum to ensure they get this essential nutrition. “If they calve during the night, we keep an eye on them through the camera to make sure calves are up on their feet, intervening when necessary to make sure they are sucking.”
“We have had some cases of navel ill in the past and at its worst, we had some calves with joint ill. At one stage, we were blanket treating with antibiotics but that isn’t really ideal. It is nothing like it was now, we’ve not had joint ill for a few years . The calves seem to have a much better immune system and will fight off almost anything.”
“If they are up on their feet and get a bellyful of colostrum, they are up and away and we have very little bother with them, we wouldn’t chance stopping Ruminant GreenGold.”
As part of his regime, Graham uses Super Suckler SEC mineral licks over spring and summer, moving to Triple Mag in the back end. This has helped tighten up the calving and the calves have get up and go as soon as they are born.
Fraser is a regular visitor to the farm, providing support and advice to Graham. “We can’t fault him for his help and attention” said Graham.
To produce the ultimate calf, Ruminant GreenGold and Super Suckler SEC should be fed from five to six weeks pre-calving, continuing Super Suckler right through the bulling period. Calves should be up on their feet, sucking well, benefitting from all the antibodies in the mother’s colostrum and the likelihood of having infection and illness are reduced. This in turn helps the calf achieve its maximum growth potential.
Fraser Moar advocates that if there is a priority where budget is to be spent, use it to prepare the cow pre-calving for maximum colostrum quality and quantity, and, for getting her back in calf.
Find out more about Ruminant GreenGold https://www.harbro.co.uk/animal-feeds/product/ruminant-greengold/
Find out more about Super Suckler https://www.harbro.co.uk/animal-feeds/product/super-suckler-bucket/
Graham Sclater with Fraser Moar – Harbro/J&W Tait