Early calf management is key to sustainable herd health

LEADING livestock genetics company, Ai Services, is urging farmers to consider the long term, sustainable benefits of early-life calf management.

As the sole distributor of SCCL colostrum replacer products across Northern Ireland, Ai Services offers local farmers access to a globally recognised leader in colostrum nutrition, providing advice and support on its science-backed solutions which are proven to protect calf health, welfare and long-term performance.

While Ai Services’ primary focus is on genetics, the company’s expert team is equally tuned in to the concept of ‘whole-life’ development, with herd potential and performance measured long before genetics show their full value.

“Breeding decisions are amongst the most significant investments made by farmers today, but they are part of a much bigger picture, which starts from birth,” said Dr Charlotte Martin, group veterinary officer at Ai Services.

“As calves are born without a functioning immune system, they are completely reliant on colostrum - their first and most important feed - to provide essential immunity.

"Farmers fully understand this and the critical role colostrum plays in determining the animal’s future health, growth and long-term resilience.

“But health is also about sustainability. Our farmers increasingly appreciate that the healthier an animal is at the start of life, the more sustainable it is for the long term.”

Where maternal colostrum quality or supply is insufficient, a proven replacer can play a crucial role.

Headquartered in Canada, SCCL is the recognised market leader in colostrum replacer production.

Its bespoke system involves the collection of excess, antibiotic-free maternal colostrum which is treated and spray dried to create a natural bovine colostrum powder that is rich in fat and IgG antibodies.

Dr Charlotte Martin added: “Successful colostrum management depends on the three Qs: Quality, Quantity and Quickly. SCCL offers farmers a solution which delivers across all three.

"Where there is any element of doubt or concern, such as poor quality, insufficient volume, first-calvers or difficult calvings, SCCL replacers bridge the gap and give the calf the best chance to build life-long immunity.”

Many local farmers using SCCL products are already seeing the benefits on farm.

Padraic McKenna, farm manager of Greenville Dairies in Newtownstewart, is responsible for its 800-strong dairy herd which calves all year round.

Using a robotic milking system the herd produces an average of 12,500 litres per cow per year.

Explaining why the colostrum has been a game changer for the farming enterprise, Padriac said: “Using a consistent colostrum replacer has taken the uncertainty out of early calf care, boosting immunity and giving us real confidence in calf health from day one.

"Since introducing SCCL into our system we’re consistently seeing stronger, more vigorous calves and dramatically fewer early health issues.”

SCCL colostrum is equally suited to lambs and with the spring lambing season soon underway, Ai Services has noted an increase in demand from the province’s top pedigree breeders.