Many thanks for your support of the Dairy Seminars and for sponsoring Hugh Chester-Jones from U of Minnesota

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1 Many thanks for your support of the Dairy Seminars and for sponsoring Hugh Chester-Jones from U of Minnesota

2 Accelerated Feeding of Calves Hugh Chester-Jones U of MN Southern Research and Outreach Center, Waseca Missouri Dairy Profit Seminars February 23-27, 2015 Missouri Dairy Association and University of Missouri 2014 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved.

3 Discussion today will include: SROC Calf and Heifer Commercial Calf Raising Facilities and Management; Accelerated vs conventional feeding systems Post weaning transition and group housing program brief overview Examples of completed feeding strategies

4 What does it cost to raise dairy heifers? Knowing true costs of raising heifers is critical.

5 Total cost associated with raising dairy replacements is 15 to 25% of the total cost to operate a dairy (Tranel, Hoards Dairyman, September) for 40 calf raising operations av. cost of $5.31/day from birth to 61 days Custom raisers av. $3.16/day (weaned at 45 days of age).

6 Heifer raising budget birth to 24 months (Tranel, 2014) Feed costs $1,224 Livestock variable costs $ Facilities and equipment $ Total without labor $1, ($2.37/day; Add labor at $2.73/day) ($2, mth including value of calf and ownership cost)

7 Heifer raising budget birth to 24 months (Tranel, 2014) Non-feed costs $1/day from birth to calving Cost savings reduce calving age ($94/month) Reduce cull rate How are costs in Wisconsin (Hagerdorn, 2013)?

8 Cost Per Day To Raise A Calf Calf Cost per Day* Tie-Stall Free-Stall Grower All Feed Costs $2.44 $2.36 $2.00 $2.37 Labor & Management Other Variable Costs $2.29 $2.07 $0.96 $1.99 $0.54 $0.66 $0.63 $0.64 Fixed Costs $0.21 $0.50 $0.21 $0.35 Total Cost $5.48 $5.59 $3.81 $5.34 *Does not include $150 calf value

9 Cost Per Day To Raise A Heifer Heifer Cost per Day* Tiestall Freestall Grower All Feed Costs $1.66 $1.83 $1.55 $1.71 Labor & Management Other Variable Costs $0.66 $0.51 $0.39 $0.54 $0.46 $0.49 $0.35 $0.44 Fixed Costs $0.42 $0.33 $0.29 $0.35 Total Cost $3.20 $3.15 $2.57 $3.04 *Does not include $150 calf value

10 Total Cost to Raise a Dairy Replacement from Birth to Freshening* Total Cost $ $ $ $3.20/day Days on Feed Calving Age (months) Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, doing business as the Division of Cooperative Extension of the University of Wisconsin-Extension *Does not include $150 calf value

11 Av cost post weaning in WI to pre-fresh was $1,323 or $2.04/day (648.5 days). Dairy operations averaged 24 months for first freshening. Custom raised heifers freshened at 23 months. According to Tranel (2014) Total costs of raising heifers averages $94/month; Knowing true costs of raising heifers is critical.

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13 SROC Calf Project: Partners since University of Minnesota, Allied Industry and 3 dairy farms - Minnesota Project dairy farms: Wolf Creek Dairy, Dundas (400+ cows); Bombay Dairy, Kenyon (700+ cows); Clay View Dairy, Gooodhue (recently expanded from 600+ to 1,000+ cows using genomics). Contract with each dairy reviewed annually.

14 Profile of the 3 commercial dairies

15 Photo courtesy of Ruth

16 Raw mean profiles of heifer calves assigned to nursery studies from 3 dairy farms from 2-5 days up to 6 months of age through 2013 Item No. study heifers Initial BW, lb Initial SP, g/dl Final BW, lb Final Hip Height, in ADG, lb Farm A Farm B Farm C 1,156 1,805 1, Over 9,700 calves have been brought into SROC to date - mortality about 1.8% Performance of calves through 6 months has been relatively consistent across farms

17 Calf health and post calving survivability

18 Five C s of Successful Colostrum Cleanliness Consistency Calories Calf Rearing Comfort - Dr. Sheila McGuirk, U of WI School of Veterinary Medicine

19 Colostrum basics* (Fetrow, 2009) Pasteurized colostrum? batch pasteurizer 140 o F for 30 (PSU) to 60 min (U of MN); PSU heat treated colostrum > IgG absorption; Colostrum replacers min 100 g IgG/dose ($25-$30/dose) feed g IgG; *Remember dry cow management & nutrition

20 Managing calves upon arrival

21 Calf and Heifer Research and Extension Facility Two 30 ft x 200 ft calf barns 40 calves/room all-in/all-out 160 individual pens (birth to 10 weeks of-age)

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24 Record keeping

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27 Extra calves are often fed from a milk bar.

28 SROC option grouping calves prior to moving to grower heifer pens

29 Automatic Calf Feeding System (ACFS) Since September pens of 23 calves (32 sq ft/calf) in a renovated calf room used as the 5th room in rotation with 4 rooms of 40 individually penned calves. Used automatic grain feeders initially now feed bunks in each pen. Calves placed in the pens off the truck - 2 groups have been evaluated with 7 days in individual pens then trained to the ACFS.

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31 SROC Urban computer milk and grain feeders placed in a renovated calf room in design by U of MN David Ziegler; ventilation help from Kevin Janni

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33 Cleaning All-in all out system power wash panels and pen structures

34 Calf Stressors

35 Stressors causing variance in performance of Calves: Dehorning - after 30 days in the nursery. Vaccinations - pre- and post weaning. Tail docking - after 30 days in the nursery (1 herd only) Socialization/grouping - Feed changes Environmental changes Cold vs Heat; flies Biosecurity!! Adapted from Hayes, SROC workshop 2006

36 Nursery Nutrition

37 Concept of accelerated feeding reintroduced by Cornell and U of Illinois in the 1990 s; Suggests that calves need more protein and energy than provided by 1 gallon of milk or 1 lb of milk replacer powder daily; Calves need more protein and energy than traditional feeding programs allow;

38 Liquid feeding options: Conventional 20:20 to 22: to 1.5lbs/day 1.2 gallons/day (still 60% of the market) Accelerated 28: step up to 2 to 2.5 lbs/day > 2 gallons/day step-up (LOL et al)

39 Liquid feeding options: Moderate intensive feeding 1.5 lbs 26:17 (Akey) Modified Intensive 24:20; 26:16, 24: to 2 lbs/day 1.2 to 1.5 gallons/day (U of MN) Whole or pasteurized waste milk solids 12.5 to 17% to > 2 gallons/day;

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42 Summer Housing

43 Barrel to collect water from buckets - keep the calf rooms dry

44 SROC Standard Feeding Protocol Starts with a strong healthy calf. Standard control program to February a 20:20 medicated (2:1 NT)all-milk protein milk replacer (MR) fed at 1.25 lbs/day for 35 days and lbs/day from day 36 to weaning at 42 days (12.5% solids). After February 2010 used 1:1 NT (1600 g/ton)

45 Production goals for SROC nursery calves - double birth weight by 2 months of age with 4 inches of frame height. A recent goal in Holsteins includes at least 1 - lb/day gain prior to 14 days old for good health (ADSA 2008 calf discover conference) 20% of variation in milk production is related to growth rate prior to weaning; (Van Amburgh, 2009)

46 Full potential nutrition results in greater early growth of calves Drackley, 2009

47 Table Examples of calf performance using conventional programs Parameters 20:20 22:20 20:20 20:20 50% alt all milk all milk all milk wheat & plasma Months of study Oct-Jan, 2005 Oct-Dec, 2013 Jan-April, 2013 Jan-April, 2013 ADG 1 to 42, lbs ADG 1 to 56, lbs HH gain, in BW gain, % CS 1 to 42, lbs CS 1 to 56, lbs MR 1 to 42, lbs G/F 1 to 56, lbs SP, g/dl Scouring d, 1 to Cost 1 to 56, $

48 SROC example of Conventional vs Modified Intensive or Intensive Feeding Programs Initiated for heifers in 2004

49 Performance of heifer calves fed varying milk replacer and starter programs (proceedings Table 2 for all MR treatments) 20:20 Parameter Non-Acidified 28:16 28:16 Feed rate lbs/day MR Solids % Calf starter (CS), CP % Init. BW, lb Init. HH, in SP, g/dl Final BW, lb % 16.67% 16.67% 18% 22% 22% BW change vs Initial Final HH, in 187% 200% 213% (-2%) 36.65

50 Performance of heifer calves fed varying milk replacer and starter programs 20:20 Parameter Non-Acidified 28:16 28:16 Milk DM, lb CS DM 56 d, lb Total DM, lb ADG 1-56 d, lb Cost of gain 2015, $/lb (+19.8%) (+23.6%) (+12.4%) 1.76 (+19.9%) (+26.5%) (+49.6%) (

51 Post weaning from 9 to 25 weeks 20:20 MR calves fed 16% grain mix (6 lb/d) and 28:16 calves fed 18% CP grain mix with free choice hay -no differences in heifer performance.

52 Post weaning from 9 to 25 weeks First calving age and lactation production (taken from Spreadsheets by farm in ) Reduced first calving age for intensive (23.5 mth) but not modified intensive (24 mth) vs 20:20 control (24.4 mth) ; Indications of no significant milk production differences.

53 Post weaning from 9 to 25 weeks 305 STD ME - 28,386 lbs, (all 20:20); 28, 870 lb (1.5 lb 28:16); 30,096 lb (2.25 lb 28:16) Potential to cover the extra $85.59 for feeding accelerated program if increase milk 6% and lower calving age but a number of variables.

54 Autofeeder program July-September, calves/pen MR 20: lbs/day 3 feedings vs. MR 28:18 up to 2.2 lbs/day 5 feedings Average milk intake 49 days - 8 lbs vs lbs/day 1-42 Gain 1.53 vs lbs/day 1-56 Gain 1.82 vs lbs/day 2.2 x IBW vs x IBW 5.1 in HH gains vs. 5.5 in HH gain Calf health very good CS x2

55 What is happening elsewhere on accelerated programs? Overview of data from Cornell, Soberon et al 2012 every 1 lbs ADG pre-weaning (especially days) > maintenance = 850 lbs + milk; (genetic progress = lbs milk). Van Amburgh, 2013 looked 12 studies (including U of MN data) and found high milk/mr levels av. +1,582 lbs milk; Cornell model shows + effects through 3 lactations;

56 Van de Haar and Weber Nielson (2013) conventional at 1.2% BW (1.1 lb MR) vs. accelerated at 2% BW (1.8 lb MR); 3% more milk and calved 2 weeks earlier; Suggested option to recover extra costs of MR with good milk prices, low calf mortality and lower calving age.

57 Traditional vs. Accelerated Milk Replacers Courtesy of Stacey A. Hamilton Ph.D. and Scott Poock DVM University of Missouri Project sponsored by Hartville Feed and Milk Specialties Global Animal Nutrition

58 But - Penn State (Heinrichs and Jones, 2011) summarized all available published information and found no effects of accelerated on milk production.

59 Overall milk yield response 3 to 6% vs conventional similar to U of MN reduced calving age in some studies; variability due to management, environment, genetics;

60 Recent Strategies(Brittney et al., 2014) in Waseca We wanted to see if we could find a balance between feeding programs that would meet growth goals at a cost acceptable to the dairy producers

61 Develop a mid range feeding program that: Maximizes growth using protein and energy ratio. Find feeding rate to maximize calf starter intake. Avoid post-weaning slump seen in Accelerated Program Compare mid range feeding program to accelerated program. Lower cost of milk replacer with accelerated growth

62 Can you feed more of the same milk replacer and get the same growth? 20:20 Low: 20:20 milk replacer fed at 1.25 lbs/d 20:20 High: 20:20 milk replacer fed at 1.56 lbs/d 24:20 Low: 24:20 milk replacer fed at 1.25 lbs/d 24:20 High: 24:20 milk replacer fed at 1.56 lbs/d

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64 What is the correct feeding rate for a 24:20 milk replacer? 24:20 milk replacer: 1.25 lbs/d (4 qt) 1.50 lbs/d days 1-7, 1.56 lbs/d days 8-35 (5 qt) 1.50 lbs/d days 1-7, 1.88 lbs/d days 8-35 (6 qt) 1.50 lbs/d days 1-7, 2.19 lbs/d days 8-35 (7 qt)

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66 What is the correct fat level for a Midrange milk replacer and how does it compare to an accelerate milk replacer in the summer months Treatments: 24:20 fed at 1.25 lbs/d (24:20 low) 24:20 fed at 1.56 lbs/d (24:20 mid) 24:16 fed at 1.56 lbs/d (24:16 mid) 24:16 fed at 1.88 lbs/d (24:16 high) 26:16 fed at 1.88 lbs/d (26:16 high)

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69 Table. Pre- and post weaning daily feed DM and water intake when fed a 24:20 milk replacer with a 18% texturized calf starter Days in the nursery Total DMI, lb/d Starter intake, lb/d Water intake, lb/d Water to DMI ratio Pre-weaning Post weaning

70 Water intake, L/d Water Intake by Week C C+ LF LF+ HP Experimental Week

71 CS DMI, kg/d Calf Starter Intake by Week C C+ LF LF+ HP Experimental Week

72 Feeding pasteurized waste milk Litherland, 2010 Proper pasteurization helps control pathogens; goal of bacterial counts < 20,000 CFU/ml; make sure waste milk is cooled in storage before pasteurizing

73 Comments from, a producer panel at the 2014 annual DCHA conference in Green Bay to raise the best calves. J. Hall at Hall s Calf Ranch Kewaunee, WI Since 1995 have grown to raising 25,000 calves/year from 26 farms 6,800 calves housed in 4,000 hutches and barns at any one time 90% heifers. Each calf is tested for BVD PI and serum protein - Pasteurized milk and MR when supply is low; Calves fed milk 7 weeks 1 gallon x2 daily; 18% CP starter and water; Calves in hutches for 2 weeks after weaning then moved to groups of 10 at 9 weeks. Calves fed a TMR (HMC, haylage, corn silage, dry hay) up to 5 months then leave the ranch (2% death loss).

74 Comments from, a producer panel at the 2014 annual DCHA conference in Green Bay to raise the best calves Michael Larson Larson Acres,, Evansville WI 2,900 cows 29,000 RHA 175 calves on milk at any 1 time; Pasteurized milk with MR x3 daily; 1.5 to 2.25 gall fro 6-7 week moved at 8 weeks. 2-row nursery bars with curtain sidewalls and a positive pressure ventilation system. All in all out; Transitioning to a TMR limit stressor; less health issues with x3 daily. Advice to develop a team of trusted advisors to help with decisions. Kutz Dairy, Jefferson, WI, Jerseys 2-3 quarts a feeding pasteurized waste milk 17.5% solids;

75 Comments from, a producer panel at the 2014 annual DCHA conference in Green Bay Joe Sutter Fertile-Ridge Dairy Mount Horeb, WI 600 Holsteins 80 calves raised year round. Hutches in a 2-row barn at birth with ventilated back and tube. Pasteurized colostrum at birth with antibody bolus then 12 hours later colostrums. LOL 28:20 first 2 weeks 12 hour intervals then pasteurized milk with a 22% CS; Use disenfectants in the calving area; test quality of colostrum x3 times feeding a day sanitation and cleansliness important. Another WI farm feeds 24:18 x2 daily with fat in the winter; 18% CS and warm water x 3 daily. Moved 10 days after weaning 16% pellet until 16 weeks then a TMR. Uses DCHA Gold standards.

76 Calf Starter Programs

77 Commercial textured starter

78 Physical Factors Contributing to a Palatable High Quality Calf Starter: Physical form can affect palatability and intake Usually coarse textured, pelleted or a rolled meal Pellet too hard or too soft will affect intake Calves do not like finely ground mixtures

79 Nutrient composition, as-fed, of commercial CS used in SROC studies, Nutrient Std texturized CP% 18 or 22 UIP, % of CP 0.32 NDF, % ADF, % 3.22 Fat, % 3.22 NE L, Mcals/lb 0.74 NE G, Mcals/lb 0.55 NFC, % 56.53

80 Nutrient composition, as-fed, of commercial CS used in SROC studies, (Ionophore at g/ton) Nutrient TM & Salt, % 0.56 Ca, % 0.92 P, % 0.59 Mg, % 0.32 K, % 1.29 S, % 0.36 Vitamin A, IU/lb 10,150 Vitamin D, IU/lb 2,540 Std texturized

81 Calf Starter Programs - key to SROC calf growth Studies have found that replacing steam flaked corn with whole corn, air or flame roasted corn in completer calf starters resulted in as good if not better calf performance during a 56 day nursery period. There were indications of starter differences in calf health parameters and treatment costs. Calf starter studies have allowed for an improved 18% CP CS with digestible fiber levels that enhanced DMI (increased NDF and ADF)

82 Calf Starter Intake weeks 2-4 weeks 4-6 weeks 6-8 weeks Control Calves

83 Distribution of gain 1-56 days for 124 calves % of total fed 1.25 lb/d 20:20 non-med MR < >0.6- >0.7- > Daily gain, kg 1-56 days Calves

84 Distribution of gain 1-56 days for 44 calves fed a 1.50 lb/d of a 20:20 med MR % of total Calves < >0.6- >0.7- > Daily gain, kg 1-56 days

85 Distribution of gain 1-56 days for 24 calves fed up to > 2 lb/d of a 28:16 med MR (49 d) % of total < >0.6- >1.6- > Daily gain, kg 1-56 days Calves

86 Other focus areas for Liquid and Calf Starter Programs (details in the proceedings) Alternative Proteins Energy sources Ionophores and coccidiostats Heat abatement Use of glycerin Nutritional supplements

87 Transitional management

88 Post weaning group housing Transition management control 65 ft x 150 ft grower barn -- 9 to 27 weeks of age 120 head in 20 pens

89 Transition Calf management Calves weaned at 42 days then remain in their stalls for 14 days then moved to group pens of 7 heifers/pen (43 sq ft/calf) with good feeding space; Calves raised with automatic calf feeder or in nursery group pens will be moved similarly; Groups/pen do not differ in age by more than a week as an all in-all out nursery system;

90 Transition Calf management Calves fed same calf starter for 7 days then transitioned to limit-fed 16% grain mix and free choice hay program (alfalfa/grass); different options have been assessed; DMI by heifers in our system will be close to 3% of BW from 9 to 25 weeks of age. Ionophore feeding rate of monensin mg at 9 weeks to 150 mg at 6 months with a max 200 mg (lasalocid similar range).

91 Average Daily Hay Intake/Heifer by days on study and diet d d d 1-84 d CC CCDDG CCUP

92 Daily communications between staff critical for success of the calf operation.

93 Take Home Message Goals for calf performance in the nursery have been attained by both conventional, moderate accelerated or accelerated programs. Optimum calf starter intake compliments changes in liquid feeding programs to ensure calves meet their goals. Good quality calves and health management have been important keys to success. Post weaning programs have maintained calf performance which has exceeded initial expectations

94 Questions

95 Acknowledgements Special thanks to the dairy partners at Wolf Creek, Dundas, Bombay, Kenyon and Clay View, Goodhue. Thanks to the SROC dairy staff for their excellent calf care. Sincere thanks to all partner collaborators who have contributed to calf research studies at SROC since 2004.