Heifer Rearing over the Summer Months
Liz Newman provides some valuable hints and tips for heifer rearing over the summer months.
The summer months can throw up some challegnes, but Liz Newman our Heifer Rearing Specialist, stresses that by monitoring your calves environment you will be in a good position to tackle these issues.
Heat can be an issue over the summer months and its not necessarily just a case of keeping an eye on the mercury. A calves upper critical temp is just 25 degrees c, so it's crucial this is monitored to ensure energy is used for growing and not for cooling down.
Liz recommends the following top tips, should the temperature rise:-
- Monitor temperature in the shed – leave a min/max thermometer in there and record daily
- Water intakes will increase in the warmer weather so ensure water is always available, out of direct sunlight and refreshed daily.
- Make sure there is sufficient air flow to keep air fresh in sheds, wet warm environments encourages pathogens to multiply.
- Where possible reduce stocking rates
- Have shady areas for calves to lay in and cool off.
- With the warmer weather comes an increase of insects. Keep on top of flies, they can quickly transfer bacteria animal to animal.
These are just a few hints and tips to help you through the summer months and primarily address the calves’ environment. Our Advanced Heifer 24 program targets calving at 24 months considering the calves environment as well as colostrum management and nutrition to improve animal health and to minimise antibiotic usage. Liz understands that each farm is unique as there is not a one fits all solution, this is where her expertise comes in.
If you’d like to find out more about Advanced Heifer 24, please contact Liz on 07722147982 or email liz@arn-ltd.com
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