CalfCare '25 Highlights Rumen Development in Calf Rearing

Rumen development is a vital aspect of calf rearing strategies, as highlighted at the recent Animal Health Ireland (AHI) CalfCare event held in Co. Laois.

CalfCare ’25 Initiative

CalfCare ’25 represents a collaborative effort between Animal Health Ireland (AHI) and Teagasc’s DairyBeef 500 campaign. This initiative aims to promote calf health and good rearing practices among dairy farmers.

Investment at Bushfield, Borris-in-Ossory

John Comerford, a dairy farmer managing 145 cows in Bushfield, Borris-in-Ossory, hosted the event. He recently invested in a new calf shed and Urban automatic calf feeders, which he describes as transformational for calf rearing.

Expert Insights on Rumen Development

Volac’s Liam Gannon discussed the significant investment made by Comerford, noting the setup's benefits in ease of management, calf comfort, and air flow. Gannon emphasized that at birth, the rumen forms only 25% of the digestive tract, expanding to 70% upon full development.

Key Ingredients for Rumen Development

Gannon stressed the importance of concentrate feeding and water for successful rumen development. Calf starter must be introduced early to encourage bacterial growth essential for digestion. A pressurized water system in Comerford's shed has minimized cases of scour and calf bloat.

Ongoing Practices for Optimal Calf Health

Comerford provides whole milk initially, then transitions to milk replacer through automatic feeders. Fresh water access from clean pipes, available from three days of age, significantly enhances weight gain and reduces scours, key aspects noted by experts at the event.