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Calf Starters
Calf Accelerator 18-7 A premium texturized calf starter featuring 18% protein and 7% fat for optimum calf growth in all seasons; steam flaked corn for improved digestibility; roasted soybeans as an excellent source of bypass protein and oat grain a highly digestible energy source. Medicated with Deccox (Decoquinate 45.4 grams/ton) for the prevention of coccidiosis in nonruminating and ruminating calves and cattle caused by E. bovis and E. zumii. Supplemented with vitamins A D and E and trace minerals for improved immune system development and calf health. 30177 50 lbs	The ideal feed for rapid and early rumen development. Highly palatable and easily digestible for optimum intakes feed conversion rates of gain and health. Begin feeding by one week of age and continue up to 12 weeks of age. CONTAINS ORGANIC SELENIUM.	22-2 Calf Starter Medicated 22% high protein level improving the consistency of growth and overall calf performance. Texturized molasses containing steam rolled corn and whole oats a palatable mix encouraging early dry feed consumption. Medicated with Bovatec (lasalocid 60 grams/ton) for the control of coccidiosis in ruminating and nonruminating calves caused by E. bovis and E. zumii. Contains organic trace minerals for optimum animal performance and dried whey and yeast culture for improved palatability and digestibility. Formulated specifically for calves being fed whole-milk those being fed the 26-15 Calf Accelerator Milk Replacer or other rapid growth formulas. 30174 50 lbs

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All-milk protein milk replacers have long been the standard in pre-weaned calf nutrition. Alternative proteins are available, and with high milk protein ingredient prices and improved plant protein choices, they are worth looking at for calf milk replacer. Two plant-derived ingredients of note are wheat gluten protein and soy protein concentrate. A trial was recently completed comparing all-milk protein (AM), milk and wheat protein (WP) and milk and soy protein concentrate (SPC) diets. The results are summarized below. If you would like a full article, please contact your Accelerated Genetics field representative.

GROWTH:

Summary of Wheat Trial (56 day feeding)	All Milk 20-20	Wheat 20-20	SPC 20-20
No. of Calves	25	25	24
Start Weight (lbs.)	89.7	89.5	89.1
End Weight (lbs.)	186.3	177.5	176.4
Average Daily Gain (lbs./day)	1.72	1.57	1.54

The all-milk protein milk replacer performed best, but the soy and wheat protein milk replacers also performed quite well, with all formulas producing gain of over 1.5 pounds per day. Average daily gain was significant between the all-milk, wheat, and soy protein concentrate diets (Plt;0.05).

Summary of Feed Intakes (56 day feeding)	All Milk 20-20	Wheat 20-20	SPC 20-20
Milk Replacer Intake (lbs.)	48.2	47.8	48.0
18% Calf Starter Intake (lbs.)	126.1	113.5	119.8
Total Intake (lbs.)	174.3	161.3	167.8
Total Gain (lbs.)	96.8	88.0	86.0
Feed Efficiency	1.80	1.85	1.98

The wheat protein milk replacer produced feed efficiency of 1.85, which is close to the efficiency of an all-milk protein milk replacer. Feed efficiency between the all-milk protein and wheat protein milk replacer was not significant, but the difference between the all-milk protein and soy protein concentrate diet was significant (plt;0.05).

Summary of Health Data (through 56 days of tril)	All Milk 20-20	Wheat 20-20	SPC 20-20
Serum Protein of Calves	5.00	5.22	5.34
Fecal Scores (Day 0-14)	1.88	1.90	1.85
Scouring Days (Day 0-42)	3.32	3.44	3.83
Avg. Treatment Costs (Day 0-56)	$1.27	$1.88	$2.15

The data supports the use of an all-milk protein milk replacer, but the fecal scores, scouring days and average treatment costs for the alternative protein milk replacers is still pretty good. None of the health data numbers are statistically different.

The current recommendations are to continue to use an all milk containing milk replacer for replacement heifers unless your goal is to save some out of pocket expenses. If this is the case, a good look at alternative proteins should be considered. The performance with an alternative protein like wheat is still very good and may offer a calf operation a significant cost savings in certain ingredient markets.
Source: Milk Products, LLC

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Focus On These Five Factors Affecting Calf Performance:

1. Colostrum: A good colostrum program consists of feeding at least 4 quarts of a high quality, clean colostrum to an average sized Holstein calf within an hour of birth. Colostrum should be the first milk from the udder after a dry period of at least 30 days from a properly vaccinated dry cow that is on a good nutrition program. Colostrum products from Accelerated Genetics can supplement low quality colostrum or be used as a replacement feed if no fresh colostrum is available.

2. Cleanliness: Reducing pathogen load is something that is very important. This is done with good biosecurity such as following all in all out principles with calf housing. Follow proper cleaning and sanitation protocols for all feeding equipment on a consistent basis. Good cleaning is not using just a dish soap on equipment. For best results, use the same system used in a milk house for cleaning the milking equipment.

3. Nutrition: Use a good quality milk replacer and feed it at recommended levels. Start feeding a good quality calf starter by day 3 in small quantities. Keep the starter fresh by replacing daily and offer free choice clean water at all times. Work with your local Accelerated Genetics representative to fine tune your nutritional products to match your performance goals.

4. Environment: Keeping calves comfortable will reduce stress and improve performance. Make sure they are properly bedded, kept dry and there are no drafts. In addition, during cold weather, make sure calves have a place to "nest" to stay warm.

5. Reduce Stress: Stress reduces calf performance. Stress comes from dehorning, vaccinating, tail docking, weaning, moving, grouping and socialization. Plan today to spread out the above activities with your calves and you will minimize stress. Remember that preweaned calves are still babies. They need to be treated this way.