Ask the Expert Virtual Speaker Series Session 3

This is the final session in a series of three webinars designed to connect producers with leading experts on young calf, veal cattle and business management.

Considering alternative milk replacer options to save on feed costs

Amanda Kerr, Grober Nutrition Inc.

The gold standard of a milk replacer has long since believed to be an all dairy protein base, with no added plant components, either protein or carbohydrate. However, plant protein sources are generally less expensive than dairy protein ingredients. When first introduced for use in milk replacers, alternative proteins, namely soy flours, had very poor results, and thus, the use of plant proteins in milk replacers tainted. Consider a set of scales – on one end of the balance is calf performance, and on the other end, feed cost. With good science and proper formulation, plant proteins can be included into a milk replacer to strike that perfect balance of calf performance and feed cost savings.

Calf insights: How to collect, analyze, and take action on calf data to maximize gains, reduce morbidity, and optimize lifetime output

Dr. Kristen Edwards, Tavistock Veterinarians

Dr. Kristen Edwards developed a calf-focused herd health program, which has now had over 1900 calves enrolled. This presentation aims to provide a review of what the program entails, discuss data trends, and provide key takeaways for making data-driven decisions to improve calf health, growth, and lifetime production on your farm.

Learn more about the series and speakers here.