Published by Programme B
Being a farmer calls for extra caution when it comes to rearing livestock more so the cows. When the calves aren’t reared appropriately, their productivity in later days is low. The low productions result from poor rearing practices or animal feeds that don’t meet standards. Its long-run production is greatly affected. Don’t let yourself be frustrated due to negligence. Below is a top guide to buying the right replacer for your calves.
Mineral and Vitamin Content
A good replacer feed should contain vitamins and minerals so that the calf can have proper growth. The crucial vitamins to check are vitamin A, B, D, E, and B- complex so that the calf can boost the immune system. Equally, some vital elements that need to be included in the replacer are calcium, which is necessary for proper bone development. An appropriate replacer should have a ration of 0.75% of calcium and phosphorous minerals.
Protein & Fat Levels
The contents of a replacer included crude proteins and fats. The fats are required for energy and provide fatty acid and hence a healthy growth. Equally, crude proteins contain fatty acids needed for growth by the calves. The levels of fats and proteins are dictated by the region you are rearing the cattle. For instance, in a colder area, the replacer should have adequate fats and protein content. It is because the calves in those regions will need plenty of proteins and energy. On average, the replacer should contain at least 20% of both protein and fat contents.
Protein and Fat Sources
An appropriate calf milk replacer will have more content of digestible protein and fat sources. The protein sources include dried whey, caseins, animal plasma, among other alternative sources. You need to check what they use in making the replacer. It is advisable to go for brands that don’t use meat soluble, wheat flour, or fish concentrates. The best option for a replacer is soy flour, and the feed should be given to the calf when they are three weeks old.
Ease of Use
The usage of any feed whatsoever needs to be efficient. The most straightforward option should be the option you choose. A good dealer will offer a user guide with clearly stated steps and instructions to using the replacer. Also, you need to enjoy doing your job as a farmer. Therefore, the guideline needs to be simple, transparent as well as fun.
Appearance and Scent
The way a replacer appears and mixes with other feed needs utmost consideration. When you are using a dry replacer powder, it should not have lumps or any foreign matter. You also need to check the color of the powder to ascertain its quality. When you notice a brown pigment, then the contents have lost nutrients. Equally, paint-like smell implies the fat ingredient has gone wrong. Avoid using that replacer.
A perfect calf milk replacer will help your calves grow healthy, and when they reach productivity age, you are in for colossal output. The guide above comes in handy to find the right replacer.