Breaking free from the chains of the past Where
truth moves faster than a Holstein calf No law
waiting on some printed page We're charting new
ground in the digital age From genomic codes
to robot facts We cut through the noise, no hold
them back not your daddy's dairy news tonight
we're sparking Hey there, and welcome to the
Bullvine Podcast, your go -to for bold, no -nonsense
dairy insights. Today, we're zeroing in on a
game changer for your calves, textured starters.
Think of it as the secret foundation to building
healthier, more productive heifers right from
day one. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new
to calf nutrition, stick around. We're breaking
down the science, the money side, and down -to
-earth tips you can use today. Let's dive in.
Welcome back to The Deep Dive, the show that
uncovers the insights that matter most to dairy
producers. Today, we're taking a magnifying glass
to a feature article from The Bullvine that's
sparking a lot of conversation across the industry.
Heifer's Lifetime Value, a strategic investment
in early nutrition. That's right. And this Deep
Dive, well, it isn't just about the immediate
gains you might see in a calf hutch. We're going
to break down how what might seem like a You
know, a small decision in the feed room, maybe
a few extra dollars here, a particular type of
feed there can actually make a monumental lifelong
difference for your herd's future profitability
and productivity. A monumental difference. Yeah,
it's really a strategic investment, one that
pays dividends for years and years. And what's
truly incredible about this, what really jumps
out, is that we're not just chasing immediate
growth, are we? The article talks about something
pretty profound called metabolic programming.
The idea that a heifer's earliest nutrition can
actually set her entire physiological trajectory,
like a permanent blueprint for how productive
she'll be throughout our entire life. Exactly.
That sounds incredibly impactful, doesn't it?
Especially for any producer focused on their
long term bottom line. It absolutely does. So
if you've ever found yourself, you know, weighing
the cost of a premium calf starter against a
standard option, or perhaps wondered if phrases
like textured feed are just, well, clever marketing.
Yeah. Is it just jargon? Right. Then you are
definitely in for some significant. aha moments
today we're going to distill the key takeaways
from some really extensive research including
pivotal studies from cornell university and also
the practical insights of leading ruminant nutritionists
okay and the goal is to give you a clear road
map to maximizing your herd's genetic potential
and ultimately your farm's profitability all
right let's peel back the layers then and dive
into our first big theme straight from the article
the foundational science The stuff that underpins
all of this. The article emphasizes that a heifer's
early life isn't just a period of rapid physical
growth. It's a critical developmental window
driven by this metabolic programming. For you,
our listener, who might be thinking about day
-to -day operations, what exactly does this concept
mean for the future of your herd? That's a crucial
question, yeah, because metabolic programming
is really the cornerstone of this entire discussion.
In simple terms, it means that the nutritional
environment a calf experiences during its early
life specifically, before it's weaned, can permanently
and irreversibly alter how its body uses nutrients,
how it processes feed, and ultimately how much
milk it will produce as an adult. Permanently,
so no going back. No going back. We're not talking
about a temporary boost here. This is about establishing
a physiological blueprint, essentially setting
the switches that determine the animal's lifetime
productivity and profitability. Wow. Think of
it like laying the groundwork for a skyscraper.
If the foundation isn't strong and designed correctly
right from the start, you're limited in how high
and how efficiently that building can ultimately
perform. So it really is about the long game,
setting the future potential of that animal right
from the beginning. And the article, well, it
really drives this home with some compelling
data from Cornell, doesn't it? Indeed. And this
isn't just theoretical, right? It's been quantified
in remarkable detail. Pivotal research by Soberon
and colleagues back in 2012 conducted at Cornell
University. It involved over 1 ,800 heifers across
both the university herd and a commercial dairy.
Okay, so a solid sample size. Oh, yeah. They
found a direct and highly quantifiable link between
this early nutrition and future performance.
And what they discovered was, frankly, astonishing.
For every additional kilogram, that's roughly
2 .2 pounds, right, of pre -weaning average daily
gain or ADG, A heifer could produce an additional
850 to 1113 kilograms of milk in her first lactation
alone. Wait, hang on. A kilogram of early gain
translates to nearly a ton of extra milk in just
the first lactation. That's what the data showed.
It's not just a little extra milk. That's a multiplier
effect of, well, truly remarkable magnitude.
It really is. For a producer looking at their
herd's total output. That's an incredible return
on that early investment. It means decisions
made in those first few weeks literally reverberate
for years in terms of milk in the tank. You've
absolutely hit on the core insight there. And
to truly grasp why this multiplier effect happens,
we need to understand the fundamental difference
in a newborn calf's digestive system compared
to an adult cow. Right. It's not just a mini
cow stomach at birth. Not at all. At birth, the
calf's rumen is essentially underdeveloped, almost
like a, well, a dormant organ. When a calf drinks
milk or milk replacer, a clever muscular structure
called the reticular groove reflexively shunts
that liquid directly from the esophagus, past
the developing rumen, and straight into the abomasum.
And the abomasum, just to clarify for everyone
listening, that's essentially the calf's true
stomach, right? Where the enzymatic digestion
happens, kind of like our stomachs. Precisely.
That's where the main digestion of milk occurs.
And this bypass is vital, you know, because it
allows the calf to efficiently digest and absorb
nutrients from liquid feed, which is what it's
designed for at that age. Makes sense. However,
the crucial point here is that without the introduction
of dry feed, like a calf starter, the rumen remains
largely unstimulated and pretty much non -functional
for solid feed digestion. So it just sits there
undeveloped? Largely, yes. The entire objective
of a well -designed pre -weaning program is to
transform this underdeveloped rumen into what
we proudly call the central economic engine of
the adult dairy cow. The central economic engine.
I like that. It's literally a construction project
where you're building the future powerhouse of
your operation right there in those first few
weeks. Okay, so if the rumen is this central
economic engine, what are its key components?
How do we actually build them? The article talks
about these amazing finger -like projections
called papillae. Yes, those papillae. They are
absolutely critical. Think of them as tiny absorptive
fingers lining the rumen wall. Their main job
is to vastly increase the surface area available
for nutrient absorption. Like the difference
between a smooth bucket and a sponge. Exactly.
Imagine trying to absorb nutrients with a smooth
-walled bucket versus a highly textured velvety
sponge. The sponge is far more efficient. Now,
if a calf is fed only milk or milk replacer,
the rumens papillae show minimal development.
It's like having an engine that's missing half
its cylinders it might run, but it's operating
way below its potential. But the introduction
of a quality starter grain, that acts as the
key stimulus for this construction project. It
quite literally triggers the growth and maturation
of these vital absorptive structures. So it's
not just about filling the calf's belly with
something solid. It's about sending a specific
signal. to grow and develop this critical internal
architecture. That's it, exactly. And the article
explains that the magic behind this transformation
lies in what are called molecular messengers,
these volatile fatty acids, or VFAs. You've got
it. When carbohydrates from grain are fermented
by the incredible microbial populations that
start to colonize the rumen. Those rumen bugs.
Yeah, those essential bugs. They produce these
VFAs. Acetate, propionate, and most importantly
for rumen development, butyrate are the three
main end products. And these VFAs aren't just
energy sources. They are incredibly potent signaling
molecules for anatomical development. Like a
little construction foreman. That's a great analogy.
tiny highly specific construction form and directing
the growth exactly where it needs to happen and
butyrate specifically gets a lot of attention
in the article what makes it so special in this
context why is it the star player butyrate is
the true star here for rumen development no question
it acts as a direct molecular messenger that
specifically stimulates the growth of rumen epithelial
cells those cells lining the rumen wall okay
But what's even more remarkable is that it simultaneously
inhibits their breakdown. Oh, interesting. So
it builds them up and stops them breaking down.
Exactly. This dual action leads to a significant
increase in both the surface area and the vascularization,
the blood supply, within the rumen. More surface
area, better blood flow. Means far more efficient
and complete nutrient absorption. Dr. Sarah Mills,
a renowned ruminant nutritionist, captures it
perfectly. She says, and I'll quote her directly
here, you only get one chance to build that rumen.
Butyrate in a textured starter signals the rumen
lining to grow and mature, setting the calf up
for a lifetime of production. It's a biological
investment with compounding returns. Compounding
returns. That's a phrase every producer loves
to hear. And it really brings home just how permanent
those early weeks decisions are. You can't go
back and fix it later. You really can't. That
quote emphasizes the non -negotiable critical
nature of this early window. But how does the
physical form of the feed, not just its ingredients,
contribute to this healthy rumen environment?
I'm thinking about rumination and saliva here.
That's a fantastic point, and it highlights another
critical piece of the puzzle. The physical characteristics
of a calf starter feed also play a direct and
vital role in maintaining a healthy rumen environment
through what we call the rumination -saliva connection.
Rumination, you know, chewing cud, is a physiological
process, and it's strongly stimulated by coarse,
physically effective fiber in the feed particles.
So roughage or texture matters? It really does.
When calves chew textured or coarsely ground
feed, they regurgitate it, re -chew it, it. And
this decreases its particle size, which significantly
increases its surface area for microbial digestion.
It's like giving their digestive system a workout.
Precisely. And the direct tangible benefit of
that increased rumination, as the article details,
is the production of large volumes of saliva.
And saliva isn't just for lubrication, right?
It's a natural buffer. Absolutely. Saliva contains
bicarbonate, a natural buffer that is critically
important for maintaining the rumen's optimal
pH range, ideally somewhere between 6 .2 to 6
.8. Why is that pH range so important? Well,
without sufficient buffering from saliva, the
rapid fermentation of highly digestible starches
from grain can cause a sharp, dangerous drop
in rumen pH. That leads to ruminal acidosis.
which we definitely want to avoid definitely
we know acidosis can lead to depressed appetite
reduced feed efficiency and ultimately some pretty
severe health issues so that physical action
of chewing and ruminating actively stimulated
by a well -textured feed creates a stable healthy
room and environment where the microbial population
can truly thrive, and efficient VFA absorption
can occur without a hitch. Just like a self -regulating
system that we kickstart with the right feed.
You got it. Okay, so if we connect all these
dots, we're talking about a clear, direct, causal
chain here. High -quality grain fermentation
in the rumen leads to that all -important butyrate
production, which then stimulates robust papilla
growth and vascularization. This, in turn, boosts
nutrient absorption, leading to improved feed
efficiency and ultimately optimal growth. This
scientific understanding really provides the
robust rationale for why starter feed, especially
compared to just feeding hay or a milk only diet,
is absolutely essential for establishing that
long term foundation for productivity. It's the
difference between merely feeding a calf. and
truly developing its digestive system for a lifetime.
Exactly. And this, of course, is where the debate
around different starter types becomes so important.
Okay, so the science clearly points to the foundational
importance of rumen development, and we know
that's largely driven by quality starter feed.
But then we hit this classic, often debated topic,
textured versus pelleted starters. The article
suggests it's a nuanced reality, not a simple
either. For you, our listener, what's the real
story here? How do we navigate this choice? Is
one always better? That's an excellent point.
And you're right. It's definitely not as black
and white as some might think. The efficacy of
textured feeds, you know, things like increased
rumination and that vital butyrate production.
It's most prominent when the starter is truly
well textured and crucially correctly applied
within a comprehensive management program. So
quality and management matter. Absolutely. But
let's look at the data because the evidence,
well. At first glance, it can seem a bit contradictory.
It really highlights that nuanced reality you
mentioned. Okay, lay it out for us. What does
the research say about the advantages of textured
feed? Where's the evidence? Well, a frequently
cited study, Porter and colleagues in 2007, for
example, found quite marked benefits for calves
fed a textured starter over a pelleted one. Calves
on the textured feed showed significantly higher
body weight gain from week five to week eight.
We're talking 36 .4 pounds versus 28 .4 pounds
for those on the pelleted feed. Wow. That's a
substantial difference in gain during that key
period. It is. And they also consumed substantially
more starter during that same crucial period,
100 .4. pounds compared to 84 .3 pounds. So higher
intake, higher gain. That's pretty clear from
that study. Yeah, a clear advantage in both intake
and growth during a critical phase of development.
But it gets even more compelling when we look
at the physical act of rumination, which we just
established is so vital for rumen health, right?
Absolutely. The same Porter study found that
calves on the textured starter began ruminating
much earlier. On average, week 3 .7 compared
to week 6 .0 for those on pelleted feed. That's
over two weeks earlier. It is. And even more
strikingly, they spent more than twice as much
time ruminating 21 .0 % of their time versus
a mere... 8 .7 % for the pelleted group. Double
the rumination time. Yeah. And this physical
stimulation, this chewing cud, also led to higher
digestibility of both dry matter and neutral
detergent fiber, the NDF. So when you combine
all these factors, the research from this study
indicates that calves on well -formulated textured
starters can eat 15 -25 % more, achieve 20 -35
% higher average daily gain, and spend over 140
% more time ruminating. Okay, those are some
truly significant performance advantages for
building that robust rumen. Hard to argue with
those numbers. They are compelling. But we know
pelleted feeds are still very popular for practical
reasons on many farms. What's the case for pelleted
starters? Why do producers choose them? You're
right to bring that up because practical advantages
are a real consideration in day -to -day farming.
Pelleted starters offer several benefits from
a management perspective. Their uniform shape
helps significantly reduce the risk of feed sorting.
Ah, so every mouthful is the same. Pretty much.
Which ensures a more consistent nutrient intake
for every calf. Pellets also tend to flow more
easily in automated grain handling systems. They
have a higher feed density, meaning more nutrition
in less volume. Easier storage and handling now.
Right. And often without sticky molasses coatings,
they may attract fewer flies, which can be a
real nuisance in calf brands, as you know. Definitely.
Flies are always a battle. So these are all valid
points that producers consider. Ease of use,
consistency, storage. OK, so we have strong data
supporting textured and clear practical advantages
for pelleted. But then the article points out
that some studies found no significant differences.
For a producer listening, that can feel really
confusing, almost contradictory. How do we make
sense of that apparent discrepancy? Yeah, that's
where it gets tricky. Is it really just about
the label on the bag, or is there something deeper
at play? That's a crucial observation, and it
brings us right back to the nuanced reality the
article talks about. Several studies, including
those by Jafari and colleagues in 2018, did indeed
find no significant differences in starter intake,
ADG, or feed efficiency between calves fed textured
and pelleted feeds. So, sometimes, no difference
in performance. Sometimes, yeah. This suggests
that the advantages of textured feed aren't always
universally observed across all research settings,
or importantly, all formulations. The key to
reconciling these apparent contradictions lies
in looking beyond the simple textured or pelleted
label and considering two primary factors, the
quality of the feed's formulation and the specific
environmental context of the study. Ah, okay.
So it's not enough to just call it textured.
It has to be well -formulated and functionally
effective. Can you elaborate on that? What makes
a quality textured feed? Absolutely. A textured
label doesn't automatically guarantee quality.
A Canadian study highlighted this perfectly.
They found a starter labeled as textured that
contained only 37 % processed grains. Only 37%.
That doesn't sound very textured. Right. And
calves fed this particular feed ended up with
a dangerously low... rumen pH of 5 .06. Whoa,
that's bordering on acidosis. Exactly. It's a
clear indicator of suboptimal rumen function.
This demonstrates that ingredient quality, the
specific starch content, the type of functional
fiber present, these things are far more important
than just the physical form category. A poorly
formulated textured feed can definitely perform
worse than a well -formulated pellet. It's about
what's in the feed and how those ingredients
are prepared and combined. That's a vital distinction
for our listeners. Don't just trust the label.
Look at the formulation. Precisely. Formulation
quality is paramount. You also mentioned the
environmental context playing a role in these
study results. How does that factor in? How can
the environment change the outcome? The environmental
context of a study can significantly influence
its outcomes, and this is often overlooked when
comparing results. For instance, that porter
study we discussed, the one showing strong benefits
for textured feed. Those calves were housed in
elevated stalls without bedding and fed a relatively
low plane of milk. Okay, not exactly typical
for every farm. Right. These non -standard conditions
may have unintentionally forced earlier, more
aggressive starter intake from the calves. This
could have exaggerated the benefits of the textured
feed in a way that isn't representative of all
typical farm situations. So the conditions push
them on to starter faster? Potentially, yes.
On many dairy farms, calves might be on a higher
milk plane or in group housing with bedding,
which alters their motivation and timeline for
consuming solid feed. It just underscores that
we need to consider the whole picture of a calf's
environment and diet, not just isolate the feed
type. That makes complete sense. Different conditions,
potentially different outcomes. And what about
health metrics? Beyond just intake and gain,
does the type of starter affect a calf's overall
well -being? It's obviously a huge factor for
producers thinking about vet bills and labor.
This is a really important point, and it introduces
a critical, maybe third -order metric for evaluating
feed that goes beyond simple growth rates. The
Jafari et al. study from 2018, for example, found
that while there might not have been statistically
significant differences in intake or gain between
their groups, Calves on a textured starter that
included whole kernel corn did show better health
scores and a higher non -disease probability
compared to those on a pelleted feed. Ah, so
even if growth was similar, the textured group
was healthier. That's what they found, yeah.
This highlights that a well -formulated, textured
starter can genuinely contribute to a healthier,
more resilient calf, even if the immediate growth
numbers aren't wildly different on paper. And
fewer sick calves mean less treatment, less labor,
less stress. Exactly. Real savings and benefits
right there. That's a huge factor for producers.
And what about that dreaded post -weaning slump?
Textured feed play a particular role in maybe
mitigating that transition challenge. Yes, the
risk of a post -weaning slump is a central concern
for many producers, and rightly so. This phenomenon,
sometimes called a pendulum swing, often happens
when high milk or milk replacer intake during
the pre -weaning period suppresses early starter
consumption. So they're relying too much on milk.
Right, which leads to an underdeveloped rumen.
Then, when the milk is removed at weaning, the
calf's immature rumen simply isn't ready to handle
the full nutrient load from solid feed, resulting
in that sharp drop in performance in ADG. Okay.
The choice of starter feed is most critical in
this scenario. A well -formulated textured feed
can significantly help ensure that pre -weaning
gains are truly driven by a functional, developing
rumen. So it prepares them better for the switch.
Precisely. Thereby greatly mitigating the risk
of that painful post -weaning performance drop.
The goal is to avoid that abrupt halt in ADG
and keep them growing steadily. Okay, so if we
try to synthesize all this, look at a summary
of these key performance metrics and the research.
What's the big picture takeaway regarding textured
versus pelleted? What stands out to you, for
you, our listener, to consider? Well, if we synthesize
the illustrative data, studies like Porter's
clearly show potential for higher ADG and starter
intake, along with earlier and more extensive
rumination for quality textured feeds. That's
one side. Then, while other studies like Shafari
sometimes show no statistically significant differences
in ADG or intake, they do often highlight benefits
in terms of better health scores and evidence
of earlier, more robust rumen function. So the
benefits might be more than just weight gain.
Exactly. specific growth numbers might fluctuate
based on study conditions and, critically, the
exact formulation of the feed, the consistent
message seems to be about promoting better room
and development, earlier functional activity,
and often improved health outcomes with a well
-chosen, quality textured starter. It's about
building that foundation, building that engine,
not just chasing a single number on the scale.
You've nailed it. That's the key takeaway. Okay.
So we've established the scientific why, that
metabolic programming and rumen development,
and we've explored the performance, how the nuanced
debate around feed form. Now let's move to what
often matters most for producer making decisions.
The show me the money aspect. What does all this
biological advantage actually mean for a farm's
bottom line? Right. This is precisely where this
transitions from just, you know, another expense
into a truly strategic investment. The scientific
data translates directly into a tangible financial
model that can drastically impact profitability.
Remember that pivotal Soberon et al. research
from Cornell we talked about? The one with the
1 ,800 heifers. That one. A one kilogram increase
in pre -weaning ADG means an additional 850 to
11 ,113 kilograms of milk in the first lactation
alone. Still staggering numbers. They are. So
let's crunch some numbers for you, our listener.
Let's be conservative. Even an increase of just
bort 5 kilograms, or about 1 .1 pounds, in pre
-weaning ADG. Okay, half a kilo gain. With a
milk price of, say, $17 per 100 weight, that
means an extra $318 .75 in the first lactation
alone. At $19 per 100 weight, that value would
be even higher, you know? generating approximately
$338. Just from that extra half kilo of gain
before weaning. Just from that. We're talking
hundreds of dollars of additional revenue from
a relatively small biological change nurtured
in the first two months of a calf's life. Hundreds
of dollars from a small change in early life
that really makes the case for strategic investment.
It's not just a cost, it's a genuine opportunity.
Absolutely. But what does that investment typically
cost? What's the premium for these feeds? And
what kind of astonishing return can a producer
actually expect? You mentioned ROI. Yeah, let's
look at that. The premium for high -quality textured
calf starters typically ranges from maybe $40
to $85 per ton based on regional market reports.
It varies, of course. When you break that down
to an individual calf for the entire pre -weaning
period, it translates to approximately $25 more
per calf compared to a basic pelleted starter.
Maybe $30 in some cases. So maybe $25, $30 extra
cost per calf. Around there. Now, compare that
modest additional investment to the potential
returns. Analysis combining various research
points suggests a net benefit of around $313
per calf and an extraordinary 12 ,252 % return
on investment. Sorry, do you say 1 ,200 % ROI?
1 ,252 % ROI, yeah. From just first lactation
milk production alone when feeding a premium
textured starter compared to a standard approach.
That's... That's not just a good investment.
That's almost unheard of in agriculture or, frankly,
in many investment sectors. It is remarkable.
Are we truly saying that a few extra dollars
spent in the calf's first few weeks can genuinely
become the single most profitable decision a
dairy producer makes all year per animal? Well,
based on this analysis, you've absolutely amplified
the aha moment there. It's a remarkable return
driven by those compounding biological advantages
we discussed. Incredible. And when this specific
starter investment is combined with other strategic
calf nutrition elements and a robust management
program, because feed alone isn't magic. Right.
The whole package. The total net benefits can
actually reach an incredible $1 ,159 per calf,
with an overall ROI still around 724%. Still
over 700%. Yeah. We're talking about taking a
marginal extra cost and turning it into a truly
transformative financial game for your operation.
Wow. Those are astonishing numbers. And the article
also points out that the payback period for this
kind of investment is remarkably fast. It's not
like waiting years. It truly is. The payback
period for this investment is typically within
six to eight months. Six to eight months. This
rapid return is driven not just by the feed itself,
but by a cascading effect of compounding benefits
that extend far beyond simply increased first
lactation milk yield. It's a fundamental improvement
to the animal's entire productive life, starting
right from day one. Okay, so let's dive into
those compounds. compounding benefits then. What
else does this early investment impact beyond
just more milk and the first lactation? What's
the bigger picture for a producer? The benefits
are pretty extensive and they really do persist
throughout the animal's entire life. First, there's
accelerated growth, obviously. Higher average
daily gain means heifers reach their target weights
and frame sizes faster. Gets them ready for breeding
sooner. Exactly. Critical for hitting breeding
targets and future productivity goals more efficiently.
Second, This leads to potentially earlier weaning.
When a calf consistently consumes sufficient
starter, remember that rule, at least three pounds
per day for three consecutive days, it can often
be weaned earlier. And that saves money on milk
or replacer. Directly. Which, as you know, is
a significant line item in calf raising budgets.
Real savings there. And I imagine improved health
also translates to significant savings beyond
just the feed costs. Fewer vet visits. Less medicine.
Absolutely. Third, you consistently see improved
health. Better room in development and a healthier
digestive system reduce the incidence of common
calf ailments like scours and other digestive
issues. This directly translates into lower veterinary
costs, reduced medicine usage, and less labor
dedicated to caring for sick animals, all real
-world savings for you. Makes sense. Fourth,
it allows for potentially earlier entry into
the milking herd. An optimal growth trajectory
can significantly reduce the age at first calving.
So they start producing milk and revenue sooner.
Right. Bringing that heifer into productive lactation
and revenue generation sooner, which accelerates
your return on investment for that animal. And
the long -term impact on the entire herd's longevity
and reproductive performance must be substantial
too. That sounds like a long -term profit center
just from getting the start right. Indeed. The
effects of early nutrition persist well beyond
just the first lactation. That Cornell data we
keep mentioning. It specifically shows that a
one kilogram increase in pre -weaning ADG is
associated with an impressive 2 ,280 kilograms
of additional milk over three lactations. Over
three lactations. That's nearly 5 ,000 pounds
of extra milk per cow over her productive lifespan.
Huge difference. Moreover, improved pre -weaning
growth also leads to improved reproductive performance,
things like earlier breeding success, fewer open
days. Less time waiting, more time milking. Exactly,
and enhanced longevity in the herd. All of these
factors further reduce expensive replacement
costs, which typically range from $1 ,800 to
$2 ,500 per animal, sometimes more. So keeping
productive cows in the herd longer is a big win.
Massive. Extending the productive life of a cow
by even a few months, let alone an entire lactation,
represents a huge financial advantage. And consider
this. The typical dairy cow often doesn't even
reach break -even until around 2 .1 to 2 .8 lactations.
So getting them productive early and keeping
them longer is critical for profitability. Absolutely
critical. Any investment that enhances early
productivity and longevity becomes particularly
valuable for the overall enterprise profitability
and sustainability of your farm. So it's really
not just about one lactation. It's about building
a fundamentally better, more resilient animal
that pays dividends for years and years. It's
the difference between merely raising a heifer
and cultivating a true profit center for your
future herd. Well said. If we look at the illustrative
data that summarizes this, comparing maybe a
standard program to a premium program, the numbers
really tell the whole story, don't they? They
absolutely do. Our illustrative economic model,
which... kind of synthesizes average industry
data. Highlights is clearly for you, the listener.
A standard program might see a pre -weaning ADG
of around 0 .8 kilograms per day, maybe leading
to about 40 kilograms total gain by weaning.
Okay. A premium program, strategically driven
by quality textured starter and attentive management,
can potentially push that to 1 .1 kilograms per
day ADG, resulting in approximately 55 kilograms
total pre -weaning gain. Quite a difference in
gain. It is. Now, the upfront cost difference
for the starter might be around $30 more per
calf. Let's say $180 versus $150 total feed cost
pre -weaning. Okay, $30 extra investment. But
look at the benefits that ripple out. Health
costs could potentially drop from $50 per calf
down to $25. Weaning age could reduce by a week
or even two, saving significant milk replacer
costs. And that estimated first lactation revenue
increase we talked about. A significant $200,
$300, maybe more, depending on milk price. And
that all leads to that quick payback. This leads
directly to that impressive six to eight month
payback period we mentioned. Now, it's important
to remember these are illustrative, right? They
will vary by region, market price, specific farm
conditions, your manager. Of course, every farm
is different. But the overall trend and the potential
dramatic impact on profitability are pretty undeniable
based on the available science and economics.
The numbers are incredibly compelling and the
science is unequivocally clear. But, as any farmer
knows, the best science and the most impressive
numbers only count if they can be effectively
put into practice on the farm. Theory is one
thing, reality is another. The article really
stresses that these financial gains are only
realized when combined with a comprehensive,
diligent management protocol. You can't just
buy the feed and expect magic. You've absolutely
nailed it. The best feed in the world won't make
a difference without the right management underpinning
it. It's a truly holistic approach, and it starts
literally from the moment of birth. Let's walk
through the steps, because each one is critical
for unlocking that full potential we've been
talking about. Okay, where do we begin? First,
and this cannot be overstated, Colostrum is king.
It is absolutely essential to feed a minimum
of three liters, preferably four, of high -quality
colostrum within the first six hours after birth,
ideally sooner. High quality and fast. Why is
that so critical? It provides crucial passive
immunity. Those antibodies the calf gets from
mom are vital for setting up its immune system
for success in those vulnerable early wits when
its own immune system is still developing. Missing
this window or feeding poor quality colostrum
significantly compromises a calf's future health
and potential, period. Okay, step one. Excellent
colostrum management. What's next for their liquid
diet? Following colostrum, you need to implement
a high quality milk or milk replacer program.
And this isn't a one size fits all approach either.
Feeding rates should be carefully and consistently
adjusted based on the individual calf's weight
and critically, the environmental temperature.
Temperature matters a lot, doesn't it? Huge difference.
Calves in colder weather need significantly more
energy just for maintenance, just to stay warm.
So their liquid feed needs to reflect that to
ensure adequate nutrient intake for both maintenance
and robust growth. Monitoring body condition
and intake daily is really key here. You have
to watch the calves. Okay. And here's one I think
many producers might overlook or perhaps not
prioritize enough. Water. The article calls it
the unsung hero, and for good reason. Why is
clean, fresh water so critically important right
from day one? This is a point that, as you said,
cannot be stressed enough, and it's so frequently
underestimated. It seems simple, but it's vital.
Think about it. The water a calf consumes from
milk actually bypasses the rumen, going straight
to the abomasum via that esophageal groove we
discussed. Right, the milk bypass. But plain,
fresh drinking water bypasses this groove and
goes directly into the rumen. Ah, so drinking
water goes where we need it for starter digestion.
Exactly. Why does this matter so much? Because
water is absolutely vital for fermentation, for
those tiny microbes to do their job properly,
and for the entire microbial population to develop
efficiently. Studies consistently show that calves
given free choice, clean water from day one,
consume significantly more starter feed and demonstrate
higher weight gain than those without it. Wow,
just from having water available. Yes. Without
sufficient water, the rumen microbes simply can't
function optimally, no matter how good or how
much starter you offer. So don't just think about
what's in the bucket for milk. Think about the
essential liquid for life. Provide clean, fresh
water from day one, freely available. And make
sure those buckets or troughs are spotless, changed
multiple times a day if necessary. It's non -negotiable.
Got it. Water from day one. Unsung hero indeed.
So once we have the colostrum liquid feed and
water handled, when do we actually introduce
the solid starter feed itself to kickstart that
rumen development we need? Early starter introduction
is absolutely key. You should introduce calf
starter as early as three to five days of age.
Really? That early? Yes. Start with small, fresh
amounts, just a handful. Maybe put it in the
bucket after they finish their milk, just to
pique their curiosity. The quantity should then
be increased gradually as the calf's appetite
grows. Always ensuring it's fresh and palatable.
Remove uneaten feed daily. You want to make it
an attractive option right from the start. Keep
it fresh. Keep it appealing. Exactly. And here's
another critical point linked to that. Weaning
should be by intake, not the calendar. Okay,
explain that. What's the target intake? The primary
non -negotiable criterion for weaning should
be consistent starter consumption, meaning the
calf is eating at least three pounds of starter
per day for three consecutive days. Three pounds
for three days. Got it. Rather than simply weaning
at a fixed date, like eight weeks old, this ensures
the rumen is truly developed and physiologically
ready to handle the full transition to solid
feed, which is the best way to prevent that post
-weaning slump. That makes perfect sense. Weaning
by intake really ensures the calf is physiologically
prepared for the change, not just chronologically
ready, but even with the best preparation. We
often see that post weaning slump sometimes.
How do we best navigate that transition period
to minimize the stress and the impact on growth?
Yeah, the post weaning slump is a common challenge
that pendulum swing drop in ADG. And as we said,
it's often a direct result of an underdeveloped
rumen from insufficient starter intake during
the pre weaning period. Mitigating this slump
requires careful strategic transition management.
It's not just about pulling the milk. What are
the strategies? Well, strategies include gradually
reducing the milk allowance over several days,
maybe a week, to actively encourage greater starter
intake before the actual final weaning day. This
helps the calf adapt more smoothly. So taper
off the milk, don't just cut it cold turkey.
Right. You also want to maintain the calf in
the same housing environment, same social group
if possible, for at least one week after weaning.
This minimizes any additional environmental or
social stress during this vulnerable period.
Stress suppresses appetite. things consistent.
Keep things consistent. And, critically, ensure
the calf is healthy, robust, and stress -free
before you even start the weaning transition.
A sick or stressed calf won't eat well, regardless
of the feed or your weaning strategy. Health
comes first. Okay, that brings us to another
hotly debated topic among producers. Forage.
Hey, when should calves be introduced to hay
or other forages? The article really dives into
this nuance, and there seems to be some disagreement
out there. The forage question is all about precision
timing, and it's a critical management decision
with potential downsides if done wrong. While
some research indicates that small amounts of
finely chopped forage can offer some benefit
for rumen health by maybe encouraging cud chewing.
Okay, potential small benefit. The overwhelming
expert consensus in the majority of studies caution
against early or excessive forage introduction
during that critical pre -weaning period, especially
before significant starter intake is established.
Why the caution? What's the downside of early
hay? The rationale here is crucial, and it goes
back to VFAs. Forages ferment in the rumen primarily
into acetate. Acetate is a VFA, an energy source,
yes, but it doesn't stimulate papillae growth
nearly as effectively as butyrate from grain.
Ah, so if forage largely produces acetate, and
we need that butyrate for those papillae, then
early forage actually hinders the very development
we're trying to promote with the starter. Precisely.
You're swapping a less effective growth stimulator
for the key one? And not only that, but bulky
forges fill the calf's limited digestive capacity.
They fill up on hay instead of starter. Exactly.
A young calf's rumen is still small. If you fill
it with bulky, less nutrient -dense hay, it directly
suppresses the intake of the more nutrient -dense
starter feed, which is what delivers that critical
butyrate and other essential nutrients. This
can significantly delay optimal rumen development
and consequently overall growth. It's counterproductive
to our main goal. So what's the recommendation
then? When should we offer hay? The consensus
from many experts, based on the science, is clear.
Delay offering significant amounts of hay or
other forages until calves are consistently consuming
at least 5 to 6 pounds of starter per day. 5
to 6 pounds of starter first? Yes, which typically
occurs around 7 to 8 weeks of age, often post
weaning. This allows the rumen to develop properly
with the crucial butyrate stimulation from grain
before you start adding significant bulk. Get
the engine built first. Okay, that makes sense.
Prioritize starter, delay forage. Beyond the
feed and the calf itself, what about the practical
management considerations for handling these
textured feeds on the farm? They're often different
from pellets, right? More variable. That's a
great practical question because textured feeds
do have some specific requirements that you need
to factor into your daily operations to get the
most benefit. For storage, climate -controlled
bins or careful storage management is often important
for textured feeds due to their susceptibility
to moisture uptake, especially if they contain
molasses. Moisture can lead to mold or spoilage.
Gotta keep it dry and fresh. Exactly. Dust control
may also require attention, especially during
humid conditions or if the feed is handled aggressively.
You want to minimize fines. A twice -daily feeding
schedule is highly recommended for starter feed
in general, but especially textured. It helps
maintain freshness, particularly in warmer weather.
So it doesn't sit out and get stale or potentially
moldy. Right. And it encourages consistent intake
as calves always have a fresh, appealing meal
in front of them. And perhaps most importantly,
feed freshness requires regular turnover of your
feedstock and vigilant monitoring for any signs
of mold, spoilage, or contamination. These seemingly
small details ensure you're getting the full
nutritional benefit of your investment in that
premium feed. Don't let poor storage ruin good
feed. Good points. Attention to detail matters
there, too. And what about the broader industry?
Are producers really adopting these textured
starters? And how is the feed industry responding
to this scientific evidence? Are things changing?
We are definitely seeing significant shifts in
regional trends and industry response. The adoption
of quality textured starters is increasing notably
in traditional dairy regions like Wisconsin and
New York. Producers there are keenly recognizing
the value, especially during challenging winter
months when calf health, growth and every calorie
count is absolutely paramount. So demand is growing.
It seems so. And this growing demand has also
spurred the feed manufacturing industry to invest
heavily in improved production technologies.
Modern textured starter manufacturing now emphasizes
things like consistent particle size, gentle
mixing techniques to minimize undesirable fines,
those dusty bits that calves often sort out or
don't like. Better quality control, then. Yes.
And precise liquid ingredient application, like
molasses, ensuring palatability and nutritional
consistency in every bag. This means you our
listener are likely getting a more reliable and
effective product than perhaps was available
years ago The industry is adapting. Good to know.
And finally, always remember that customization
is key. It's always, always best to work closely
with a trusted nutritionist. Your own advisor.
Exactly. To design a CAF program that is specifically
tailored to your regional climate, your available
resources, your specific genetics, and your unique
on -farm conditions and goals, there's no single
silver bullet program for every single operation.
Work with your nutritionist. Got it. Okay. So
after all that incredible insight into metabolic
programming, rumen development, the nuanced feed
debate, and those really clear economic benefits,
what's the ultimate key takeaway for a farmer
listening today? What should you be thinking
about for your own operation right now? Well,
I think the biggest takeaway for you, our listener,
is that the decision made in the feed room. It
isn't just about a bag of feed. It's not just
an expense line. It's a profound strategic investment
in the long -term health and profitability of
your entire dairy herd. And remember, that critical
window for optimal room and capacity development
closes permanently between 8 and 10 weeks of
age. Once that window is missed, those consequences
are permanent for that cow's entire productive
life. Permanent. That's the key word. It is.
You truly only get one chance to build that foundational
engine for profitability. That's a powerful point.
It really means prioritizing those early weeks
are absolutely non -negotiable if you want to
maximize potential. So specifically, what should
our listeners be doing differently or focusing
on right now to act on this knowledge? What are
the action items? Okay, action items. First,
re -evaluate your calf starter. Are you getting
a truly well -formulated, quality, textured feed
that delivers on the science? The robust data
shows it can boost intake by 15 -25 % and growth
by 20 -35%, leading to hundreds, potentially
thousands of extra pounds of milk per cow over
her lifetime. And remember that remarkable payback
in just 6 -8 months. This isn't just about faster
growth, it's about building a fundamentally robust
digestive foundation for life. Okay, evaluate
the starter. What's next? Second, ensure your
management protocols are absolutely bulletproof.
That means high quality colostrum within six
hours, no excuses. Ample liquid feed adjusted
for individual calf needs and environmental conditions.
And critically, free choice, clean water from
day one. Please, please don't underestimate the
power of that water for rumen function and starter
intake. It's so basic, but so vital. Water, water,
water. Got it. and the third point and finally
don't just feed by the calendar focus on consistent
starter consumption Specifically that target.
Three pounds per day for three consecutive days
as your weaning trigger. Let the calf tell you
when it's ready. Exactly. And consider very carefully
when you introduce forage, delaying it until
that starter intake goal is met to maximize that
crucial early rumen development. It's about building
a robust, efficient engine for life, not just
getting them to a certain age or weight. Precisely.
The evidence we've discussed today overwhelmingly
supports this comprehensive strategy. Indeed.
And maybe think of it this way. Are you setting
your replacement heifers up to just get by, to
just survive? Or are you actively empowering
them to live up to their full genetic potential,
setting them up to become the most profitable
and productive foundation of your herd for years
and years to come? It's a choice, really. It's
absolutely a choice, a choice with potentially
thousands of dollars on the line for each animal,
impacting the sustainability and profitability
of your entire operation. Ultimately, this deep
dive shows us that a heifer's early life isn't
just about growth, is it? It's about setting
her destiny. That's a great way to put it. So
as you head back to your operation today, maybe
ask yourself, am I just feeding a calf or am
I truly forging the future profitability of my
entire herd? The answer we've learned today lies
in the details, in the science, the feed, and
the management of those first few critical weeks.
Great points. And that's probably all the time
we have for today's Deep Dive. For more articles
and insights like the one we discussed today,
be sure to visit www .thebullvine .com. And make
sure you follow us wherever you get your audio
content so you don't miss future Deep Dives.
Thanks for listening. Thanks for joining us on
the Bullvine Podcast. We hope you're as fired
up as we are about giving your calves the best
start with textured starters. Remember, great
herds start with great calves. If you found value
today, be sure to subscribe, share this episode,
and drop us a review. From all of us at The Bullvine,
keep pushing boundaries and building bold, profitable
dairies. Catch you next time. Thank you.