Rachael is an Associate Professor at Lincoln University. Rachael’s research focuses on dairy production systems and nutritional strategies for reducing the impact of dairying on the environment. Her research topics include nutritional management of lactating dairy cows and young stock, grazing behaviour, pasture agronomy including the impact of technologies such as endophytes, N fertilisers and gibberellic acid. Much of Rachael’s research involves finding commercial tools to solve practical problems. To do this, she works closely with farmers and industry professionals through organisations such as the South Island Dairy Event, South Island Dairying Development Centre farm focus days, and DairyNZ farm discussion groups. Rachael’s research demonstrates how commercial technology can be adopted and modified to measure outcomes and improve analysis and explanation of science outcomes.
Pre weaning growth rates have a direct impact on the development of the parachemya cells and therefore the potential for milk production in later life. Currently most However, how does this work within NZ, when we have restricted feeding events within the two years of life.
Racheal talked about the work, collaboration with Australia (Tasmania), and future research trails that are new and emerging in the calf early stages.
Currently she is working on a long-term impact trial which was spread over 3 years, 2021-2023 looking at a control (6L milk), high allocation (8-9L milk) and then CCC (Cow Calf Contact). These heifers are going to be followed through to lactation. The CCC calves stay with dams for 6 weeks. And then finished rearing artificially. In 2023 – the high allocation calves where increased from 9L to 12L on the auto feeder. The calves where weaned when over 80kg, so there is a range of dates of weaning within each treatment.
Results showed a number of different aspects, some clarified already known issues and others that were noted throughout the 3 year repetitive trial.
Even with best practice, there was still 23% of the calves had FPT. This was put down to the pickup times of the calves. Regardless of feeding system.
Aspects that were also noted:
- high proportion of racked teats on the dams with calves at foot
- Cleaner calves at foot vs penned calves
- Calves at foot had a higher scouring dung
- Mastitis was inconsistent
- Suckling dams maintain a higher BCS throughout the season
- None of the suckling calves needed medical intervention, where also less interested in human interaction.
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