Page 40 - Demo

Spoke #2: CALORIESEvaluate program by weighing calves and performing milk cultures Weigh calves to determine if the calf feeding program is delivering the necessary calories to allow the calves to reach their full genetic potential. Calves should double their birthweight within the first 60 days of life. Calibrated digital scales are the most accurate way to know true average daily gains and for many farms, they are a practical solution that help improve awareness of calf nutrition.Calf raisers feeding pasteurized whole milk should routinely culture pre- and post-pasteurization samples to ensure the pasteurizer is working properly. *NI: No interpretation guidelines have been established.Source: Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic LaboratorySpoke #3: BEDDINGEvaluate program with Nesting Score/Knee Test Bedding is needed to keep calves warm, dry and clean. It is widely accepted that pre-weaned calves experience cold stress at temperatures under 50%u00b0 F. As a result, bedding needs to keep calves clean, dry and warm during extended periods of cold weather. Using a bedding that stays lofty will help trap air close to the calf%u2019s body and keep it warm. Chopped straw may be easier to handle but it quickly loses its loft. Long stem straw is considered the gold standard for cold weather bedding. Provide 25 lb. of long stem straw bedding for every 1,000 lb. of calf body weight per day. Daily bedding during times of intense cold will help maintain bedding loft and calf warmth. An assessment of bedding can be made using the University of Wisconsin-School of Veterinary Medicine bedding evaluation tool shown below. This tool is based on the concept that large amounts of lofty dry bedding allow the calf to nestle into the bedding and stay warm. Subsequently, the more the calf can nest into the bedding, the higher the nesting score and the better the bedding. Another simple bedding evaluation test is the %u201cknee test%u201d. Simply kneel down in the bedding of multiple calf pens; if your knees stay clean and dry, the bedding passes the test.Source: University of Wisconsin Madison - School of Veterinary MedicineType of SampleTotal Bacterial Count (cfu/mL)Total Coliform Count (cfu/mL)Total E. coli Count (cfu/mL)Waste Milk < 1,000,000 NI* NI*Pasteurized Waste Milk < 20,000 < 1,000 < 100BACTERIAL COUNT GUIDELINESFigure 2Nesting Score 1Legs entirely visible.Nesting Score 2Legs partially visible when laying.Nesting Score 3Legs generally not visiblewhen laying.Comparing Calves to Bicycle Wheels (Continued from page 39)40 | 1.888.376.6777 %u2022 www.crystalcreeknatural.com