How to Achieve the Dairy Calf and Heifer Association's Gold Standards for Calves - Your Guide For Success

摘要

Lifetime performance of heifer calves is greatly influenced by proper care and colostrum feeding within the first few hours after birth and growth rate over the first 6 to 8 weeks of life. Specific written goals and mindful efforts among all stakeholders can result in systematic improvements in calf performance. The Dairy Calf and Heifer Association (DCHA) has developed Gold Standards which are achievable benchmarks for heifer production. Dairymen are encouraged to obtain these standards from and participate with DCHA.To maximize calf performance, feeding high quality milk replacer at a level to achieve high growth rate is essential. Protein deposition during growth requires high protein (>28%) and medium levels of fat (10 to 15%) fed to minimize body fat deposition. Increased energy demands of cold weather should be met by feeding 1 to 2 bottles of additional milk replacer per day, depending on ambient temperature. To minimize death losses due to dehydration, a systematic effort must be made as early as possible to maintain hydration, especially in calves with scours. Fluid should be provided in levels commensurate with level of dehydration to keep calves alive.