Weighing the amount of milk replacer is the most accurate method, as using volume (for example, scoops) can mislead.
In the first weeks of life, the size of the abomasum limits the volume (litres) the calf can handle per feed. Too large a volume can overflow over in the rumen which leads to undesirable fermentation as opposed to digestion in the abomasum.
Gusto V-Finisher can be used successfully in many different calf feeding programmes for calves over two to three weeks of age, as long as the calf rearer adheres to the basic principles of good calf rearing (colostrum, hygiene, clean water, dry bedding and comfort, etc.)
Ensure the calves are receiving a minimum of 600 grams CMR/head/day and increase gradually to 700 to 900 grams CMR/head/day depending on calf type, growth targets and weather conditions. For example, when a 40 to 50 kg calf receives 2 X 2 litres with 150 g per litre it receives 600 grams of Gusto V-Finisher per day.
Under good management and mixing practices, Gusto-V-Finisher can be fed in more concentrated form up to a maximum of 250 grams per litre.
Find below an example feeding programme for a Twice A Day (TAD) and Once A Day (OAD) system
System | Twice A Day | Once A Day | ||||
Age (days) | # Feeds/day | Litres/Feed | Grams/Litre | # Feeds/day | Litres/Feed | Grams/Litre |
15-21 | 2 | 2 | 150 | 2 | 2 | 150 |
22-28 | 2 | 2.5 | 150 | 1 | 2.5 | 250 |
29-weaning | 2 | 3 | 150 | 1 |
3 | 250 |
Selected from: Skimmed-milk powder, vegetable oil (palm, coco, rape), lactose, hydrolysed wheat protein, whey powder.
Typical Analysis | Micro-ingredients (added per kg) | ||
Crude protein | 24 % | Vitamin A | 25,000 IU |
Crude fat | 20 % | Vitamin D3 | 4,000 IU |
Crude fibre | 0.1% | Vitamin E | 90 mg |
Crude ash max | 8.0 % | ||
Calcium (Ca) | 0.60 % | Probiotics: | |
Phosphorus (P) | 0.50 % | E1700 | Bioplus YC: 1,280 MFCU |
(Bacillus Subtilus and Licheniformis) | |||
Flavour and herbs: | |||
Herbal Essential Oils |
1,000 mg/kg |