Tyrone Dairy Farm Achieves Remarkable Reduction in Calf Mortality
A Co. Tyrone Dairy Farm Sets Benchmark with 1% Calf Mortality Rate
In an unprecedented achievement, a dairy farm in Co. Tyrone, managed by father and son duo Kenny and Kyle McIlwaine, has reduced calf mortality to an impressive 1%. This outstanding result stems from a meticulous array of protocols, including advanced nutrition systems that incorporate transition milk replacer and a strategy of once-a-day feeding. Their crossbred dairy herd, consisting of Fleckvieh x Holsteins and Montbeliard x Holsteins, delivers an annual yield of 9,000 liters per cow.
With the use of genomics, the McIlwaine family can identify and breed the top-performing cows and heifers, thus optimizing their herd's productivity while minimizing guesswork.
Vaccination plays a critical role in their herd management strategy, with cows receiving vaccinations against major scour-causing pathogens - rotavirus, coronavirus, and E.coli - ensuring the well-being of calves during their first vulnerable weeks of life.
Nutritious Start for Newborn Calves
Right after birth, each calf receives a substantial 4 liters of colostrum, setting the stage for its nourishment. The calves' first five meals are their dam’s colostrum, a foundation for strong health. They are grouped into manageable batches and fed through an innovative teat bar feeder system.
The farm introduces Bonanza Calf Nutrition's Transformula as a transitional milk replacer, providing vital protection against scours during the initial three-week period. This replacer mimics cow transition milk through precise mixing.
Post-weaning Success and Continuity
As calves advance to the weaning phase, their diet shifts to another Bonanza Calf Nutrition product, Shine Original, fostering steady growth and adaptation to dry feed. With a focus on quality nutritional ingredients, the farm successfully employs a once-a-day feeding routine, ensuring calves are well-adapted, healthy, and grow without experiencing post-weaning checks.
Remarkably, Kenny and Kyle McIlwaine have been adhering to this feeding protocol for seven years, attributing their success to the nutritional completeness and strategic feeding schedules that promote vigorous calf development and robust immune systems.
