Download
Intensive calf rearing
The calf enters this world still “immature”. Many organs have not yet developed completely. Computer tomography studies have shown, for example, that the lungs take about
3 weeks to fully mature. All other organs also exhibit significant development of cell tissue in the first few weeks. If the development of the calves is supported with higher amounts of energy and a better supply of nutrients than previously recommended, these organs will develop better and then form the basis for higher performance later on.
If the organism is exposed to a high energy impulse over a certain period of time in early life, more insulin is released, which is necessary for a high physical performance. It is interesting, however, that there is a sort of memory effect in the body’s metabolism: If the high energy supplied is stopped (e.g. in heifers to prevent excessive fatty degeneration) but is resumed later (e.g. intensive feeding of the cow during first lactation), the body “remembers” its programming from earlier life and is able to optimally support the body’s metabolic processes through high insulin production.
Many studies have proven in recent years that more intensive feeding up to an oversupply of energy for calves can lead to stronger growth, an earlier first calving age by 1 to 2 months and about 500 kg more milk yield. Reasons enough to rethink conventional feeding programmes and to provide calves with
more nutrients.
All of this means that we must redefine calf feeding.
- Feeding parameters must be adjusted based on precise and individually balanced feeding curves to suit the individual needs of the calves.
- Feeding of the calves up to weaning from milk is divided into two phases:
a. Start phase: intensive feeding up to while organs are maturing (first 28 days)
b. Milk reduction phase to support the development of the calf into a ruminant
Biological calf rearing
Calf husbandry on organic farms is subject to special requirements which are designed to ensure calf rearing that is close to nature and animal-friendly.
With its husbandry and feeding concept, Holm & Laue offers ideal conditions for organic farms and farms willing to convert.
Workwear and fashion: Holm & Laue casual clothing 2022
Holm & Laue's new collection of clothing for work and leisure. There's something for everyone, from heavy duty t-shirts to cool hoodies and classic blousons.
General visit – Calf pen checklist
Objectively assess your own calf rearing. Our free Excel tool allows you to assess different areas of your calf operation and identify where improvements can be made. Individual adjustments to the tool are possible.
The checklist is divided into several areas of focus, enabling you to identify the strengths and weaknesses of your business. Please calculate the percentages of positive and negative ratings in each area. You can include your own individual factors in the evaluation. Blank lines have been kept free in each area of focus for this purpose.
The checklist is only available in German at present.