Dairy Cattle Feeding and Management

The paramount importance of dairy keeping is in the country’s economic growth and also as a source of animal protein. It is also a source of farm manure and biogas. Empire feeds manufactures a wide range of quality dairy meals which include Standard Dairy meal, Dairy plus, early calf weaner meal and Young stock meal.

The following are some basic tips on effective management and feeding in various stages of dairy cattle.

FEEDING AND MANAGEMENT OF DAIRY

CALF MANAGEMENT

A calf is the stage between birth and weaning (about 6 months of age)

WHY MANAGE CALF

To reduce mortality arising from malnutrition, pest and disease attack and to attain higher growth rate. Therefore attention is given to feeding, housing and health.

CARE OF THE CALF AT BIRTH

Prior to calving, the dam (mother) should be fed well and kept in a clean, well watered calving pen free from physical objects so as to avoid infection and injury to both the dam and the calf.

After calving remove mucus from the mouth and nostrils of the calf to allow breathing. Let the dam lick the calf.

CALF FEEDING

Weaning system: – Remove the calf from the dam immediately after birth. During the 1 st week the calf should be fed on colostrums adlib as this will ensure the calf obtains antibiotics for disease prevention. Feed the calf 4 times during the first 3 days and reduce gradually to 2 times at the end of the first week.

Advantages of colostrums

• Very nutritious
• Gives the calf immunity
• Acts as a laxative and helps remove 1 st fecal material (meconium)
• Prevents scour (calf diarrhea) and gastro-intestinal disorders.

In case the dam dies, artificial colostrums can be provided e.g. one containing:

• 1 egg to supply protein
• 1⁄2 litre of warm water to help in mixing
• 1⁄2 litre of cold milk to supply milk sugar
• 1 teaspoon of Castrol oil to supply vitamins
• 1 teaspoon of cod liver oil and fat

N/B The calf should have taken 10% of its body weight of the colostrum.

MILK FEEDING

In the second week feed whole milk. It should be fed immediately after milking. If it cools down, it should be warmed and fed at 396C. cleanliness should be observed.

Feed twice per day.[nextpage title=”Early Calf Weaner”]

FEEDING EMPIRE FEEDS EARLY CALF WEANER

Calf early weaner is fed to introduce a calf to solid food. It should be introduced during the 2 nd week. It supplies protein, energy, minerals and vitamins.

FEEDING CONCENTRATE

Introduce Early Weaner meal at 2 nd -3 rd week. Feed adlib (with no limitations) to a maximum of 1kg daily.

FEEDING REPLACERS

A milk replacer is a constituted feed for dairy calves. Its composition is as that of the dams’ milk. It is used to substitute milk to make calf rearing economical.

SUPPLY MINERALS

Should be provided as mineral licks.

SUPPLYING FRESH WATER

Growing calves should have access to fresh clean water at all times. However, watering just before feeding should be avoided as it reduces milk intake. Also much water during the hot season can lead to blood stained urine.

N/B. A feeding regime based on pasture grazing alone should only be introduced when the calves are over 6 months of age. Separate pastures for calves is always recommended.

CALF FEEDING PROGRAMMES

Early weaning: – Calf is weaned from milk at 10-12 weeks of age and it should be adopted when early calf weaner meal is available.

Feeding programme is as follows:-

NB: Weaning should be done when the calf attains twice its birth weight and can consume 2 kg of dry feed and is in good body condition.

CALF HOUSING

The calf should be protected from rain, cold, wind and direct sunshine. The pen can be permanent or movable, measuring at least 1 .5m x 1 .2m of slated floor and should be raised.

DISEASES AND PARASITES CONTROL

• Ensure the calf gets colostrums to give it immunity
• Keep milking utensils clean and dry
• Avoid sudden changes in the feeding
• Control external parasites by spraying
• Control internal parasites by deworming regularly
• Clean and disinfect the calf pen at least once a month
• Sick calves should be separated immediately and given treatment

OTHER ROUTINE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

• Debudding at 2-3 weeks of age
• Removing of extra teats at 2-3 weeks
• Identification at time of separation from the “Dam
• Weighing should be weekly
• Grooming should be done at least once a day for
• close inspection of the calf and stimulating the blood circulation

[nextpage title=”Heifer Management & Feeding”]

HEIFER MANAGEMENT AND FEEDING

A heifer is cattle of age between weaning and end of first lactation.

AIMS FOR HEIFER MANAGEMENT

• To reduce interval between weaning and first lactation.
• To reduce mortality.

Feed good quality pastures, hay and silage. Minerals and vitamins should be provided adlib and plenty of dry matter taken in.

From weaned to bulling heifer feed to supply nutrients for maintenance and growth. Feed in-calf heifer for maintenance^growth and lactation. Provide feed supplements e.g. Young stock meal whose amount depends on the quality of roughage used and the age of the heifer.

General guide to supplementation is as follows:

• Weaning to one year of age: – Provide supplements as 1% of body weight.
• 1 yr – 2nd trimester pregnancy: – Provide high level of supplementation.

Steaming up for the following reasons:

• There is high growth of the foetus and heifer is still growing.
• To enable the heifer to build up good reserves in the body to be utilized during lactation.

Recommended rate for steaming is as follows:

6-8 weeks to calving -1/2 Kg of dairy meal
5 weeks to calving -1 Kg of dairy meal
4 weeks to calving -11/2 Kg of dairy meal
3-2 weeks to calving – 2 Kg of dairy meal
1 week to calving – 3 Kg of dairy meal
Serve the heifer at recommended weight and age.

[nextpage title=”Management of Dairy Cattle “]

MANAGEMENT OF DAIRY CATTLE

Service period

This is the period between calving and conception (60-90 days). Accurate heat detection is important for animal to be served at the right time to reduce calving interval. Provide nutrients for growth, maintenance and lactation hence need for supplementation.

GESTATION PERIOD

This is the period between conception and calving (282 plus or minus 10 days). Feed for maintenance, growth, lactation and pregnancy. Steam up during the last 2 months (see in -calf heifer).

LACTATING PERIOD

This is the period that the cow is being milked (305 days). Aim to produce milk as much as possible. Feed for maintenance, growth and lactation – High quality pastures can support maintenance plus production of 7 Kg of milk a day.

Beyond this amount concentrate supplementation should be provided i.e. 1 Kg of Empire Feed dairy meal of extra 1.5 Kg of milk produced above 7 Kg e.g. a cow producing 10 liters of milk daily requires 2 Kg of dairy meal a day. Give minerals and also 3 litres of water for every litre of milk produced, water should be provided adlib.

DRY PERIOD

When the cow is not being milked, it is usually the last 2 months of pregnancy (feed as in -calf heifer). Reduce food
intake to maintenance level and stop milking gradually through intermittent milking. When the cow is dry infuse dry cow tubes.

DISEASES CONTROL

Remember that a healthy herd will give optimum returns. To ensure a healthy herd a routine control programme should be in place.

1. Spraying/dipping regularly helps prevent tick bourne diseases e.g. E.C.F, foot and mouth disease and anaplasmosis.
2. Separation of sick and weak animals.
3. Vaccination against prevailing diseases in the area.
4. Proper disposal of infected animals by burying deep or burning.
5. Always consult the nearest veterinary doctor in case of any disease.
6. A well nourished animal is always resistant to diseases.

Disclaimer

These are only guidelines. Results will vary based on farmer’s specific management practices.