Reliance Level Up

Words by Dr Rob Derrick

Transition milk and whole milk from the vat are a great resource for rearing calves. We know from calf milk replacer specifications that there are a range of trace minerals, vitamins and additives that we can add to casein or whey based products to improve the outcome for both the calves and rearer that are also lacking in whole milk. Our dairy replacements and beefies are just facing more challenges and need to adapt to a forage only system faster than a single calf left on mum in a less intensive environment.

Level Up has been based on the latest Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle (2021) recommendations for calves and includes additives to support gut function that are often added to milk replacer to level the playing field when using whole milk. A veritable smorgasbord of micro ingredients which could be limiting health and performance plus Coccistop – a proven coccidiostat to aid in the prevention of coccidiosis – Level Up will appeal to some people who simply want to rear better calves and have less issues.

Inevitably it will be something others only turn to in a moment of need if the season is working against them. Unusually wet or cold conditions that may have compromised calf development in the womb, colostrum quality or growth after birth can increase the risk of calves succumbing to other stress factors. In such challenging conditions when performance has dropped, Level Up should be considered to help put the season back on an upward trajectory.