Dr Ajmal Khan gave a very engaging talk on calf rearing. The talk began by setting the scene on the challenges around calf rearing and reviewed the current state of knowledge. Particular attention was given to colostrum management including the timing of colostrum nutrition of the neonate. Components of colostrum were reviewed, and commentary given on ideal immunoglobulin levels as well as using refractometers on farm. A very interesting 2X2 factorial trial of calves that were collected from the calving paddock “early” or “late” crossed with “low” and “high” levels of milk supplementation challenged some of what has been considered best practice in New Zealand for a long time.
NZARN members a copy of the presentation is available below if you are logged in.
Non-members looking for more information are encouraged to use our ‘contact a nutritionist’ form and ‘member directory’ to find a member who can help them answer their questions.
If you are a Rural Professional interested in joining the NZARN please see our ‘membership’ section.
