CMRs offer higher growth rates

Calves will achieve higher growth rates, more cost effectively, if they are reared on a high quality calf milk replacer fed on a cold ad-lib basis, according to results from trials carried out at Myerscough College.
Compared with calves offered ad-lib cold whole milk, those fed calf milk replacer weighed more than 15kg heavier at six¬week weaning and the cost of rearing worked out at 14p/kg liveweight gain less during the 12-week rearing period. "Calves fed ad-lib milk replacer drank significantly more, an average of 1.7 litres per day, than those fed ad-lib whole milk," explained Myerscough College's Allan Nickson.
"The calves increased intakes of milk replacer were reflected in higher growth rates.
"And calves fed CMR weighed 15.4kg heavier, on average, than those fed whole milk," he added,
That same differential developed further by the end of the trial, suggesting that differences in early growth influences overall efficiency and growth to 12 weeks."
Cow Management, November 11, 2009
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