Farmers are responsible for ensuring optimal colostrum supply, making a vital contribution to calf health and reducing losses during the postnatal phase.
Four farmers – four approaches: Discover how versatile BEWI-SAN Calf-Start is in practice – whether to enhance low-quality colostrum, in combination with the ColoQuick system, or even as a full colostrum replacement in cases of premature calving.
The first third of lactation presents significant metabolic challenges for high-yielding dairy cows. External factors such as fluctuating weather conditions or an increased risk of BTV infections can further intensify metabolic problems. A targeted feeding strategy helps stabilise milk production and metabolism sustainably.
The challenge: In modern livestock farming, various factors challenge the optimisation of feeding. The animals are exposed to various types of stress, such as environmental factors or physiological factors. This can result in reduced feed intake during periods of high stress and lead to an inadequate supply of nutrients. This weakens the animal and in […]
Fats and their fatty acids are natural components of almost all feedstuffs and play a crucial role in the energy supply of dairy cows. However, unsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid) undergo transformation by rumen bacteria, significantly impacting the cow’s metabolism.
Dairy cows convert roughage and concentrate feed into milk, one of the most valuable natural foods. The fatty acids in milk fat originate from two main sources: about half is produced by rumen bacteria, while the other half comes from dietary fat. Both are strongly influenced by the composition of the feed ration.
The challenge: For dairy cows:In recent years, many dairy farmers have already been intensively involved with the DCAB concept (DCAB: dietary-cation-anion-balance) in dry period feeding. It is known that a low DCAB in the dry period can help prevent milk fever. The effect or success in dairy cows is often measured by urine pH or […]
The nutritional level of rearing calves has a significant impact on their development and growth during the milk feeding phase. After the colostrum phase, ad libitum feeding allows calves to fully realize their growth potential.
Calves fed intensively (ad libitum) with milk replacer show significantly higher daily gains in the first weeks of life compared to those fed restrictively (6 liters per day).
High-yielding dairy cows have an in-creased energy requirement, especially after giving birth. The first third of lactation in particular requires a great deal of attention. Appropriate feeding strategies can therefor support sustainable milk production. The use of rumen-stable fats has a positive effect on metabolism.
The high crude protein calf milk BEWI-MILK® AM 5 enables unlimited quantities to be fed and thus the intake of high crude protein quantities that comply with the latest supply recommendations.
The farm of Klaus Dann was able to increase the daily weight gain of its rearing calves by +66 g DM/day to 1,000 g DM/day in the first 14 weeks after changing its feed concept.
The challenge: Breeding progress in dairy cows has led to a steady increase in the genetic potential for milk production. However, this often results in metabolic problems and other stresses during peak lactation, which affect the health and longevity of the cows. Traditionally, feeding dairy cows has focused on meeting basic energy and nutrient requirements. […]
The challenge: The first few weeks of a calf’s life are crucial for its development, as the foundations for later milk production are laid. This process is known as metabolic programming. As genomic potential increases, so does the nutrient requirement to convert this potential into live weight. Available energy is the primary limiting factor. Whether […]
An intensive milk feeding program starting immediately after birth with an enhanced colostrum intake followed by intensive milk replacer feeding supports postnatal growth and development of dairy calves, prevents health problems and promotes the rearing of robust young animals. Dairy cow milk performance studies indicate that improved feeding management during early calf rearing positively influences lifetime performance.
BEWITAL agri is registered and listed in the QS database as an authorised supplier for the add-on module QS-Soyplus in feed.
The delivery authorisation can be traced and verified at any time via the QS database.
The challenge: High-yielding dairy cows in early lactation are lacking energy but also facing tough stress for their liver metabolism. After calving the cow´s feed intake is limited. With starting producing milk lots of energy from feed is required. The energy supplied through feed can not cover the requirement. Therefore, the cow starts mobilizing energy […]
Innovation needs research. Our own Research & Product Development department drives the progress of innovation at our company. The aim is to put economically useful scientific findings into practice as quickly as possible – in our own products and in those that we develop and realise together with customers.
Our partner farm in the area of dairy cows is the Hinnemann farm in Germany (North Rhine Westphalia). Farm manager Philipp Hinnemann is always searching for the right adjustments to get the most out of his herd in terms of health and performance.
Targeted feeding makes a decisive contribution to guaranteeing successful piglet calf rearing. What is missed at calf stage cannot be recovered later. Only healthy, optimally fed calves can later produce high milk yields for a long productive life of the dairy cows.
Promoting gut health plays a big role in long-term success. It is important to promote the development of the young calf’s gut as early as possible – so let’s “gut it!”.
Our goal is to create healthy animal nutrition together with you. That is why we focus on natural feeding concepts that can help to develop the intestinal health of your animals as early as possible and maintain it in the long term.
We urge you: Ensure a healthy intestinal flora for your animals now – let’s “gut it!”.
Amino acids play a crucial role in the diet of dairy cows. Supplementing the diet of dairy cows with amino acids can lead to more milk and ingredients. In addition to the significantly improved profitability, there is also the potential for reductions in nitrogen and phosphorus excretion, which increases the utilization efficiency of dairy cow husbandry.
Due to the increasing milk yield of dairy cows, the energetic supplementation of feed rations is becoming more and more important. The optimal solution is the use of rumen-stable fats.
In contrast to the use of high amounts of starch, the use of rumen-stable fats avoids over-acidification of the rumen.
Intensive calf rearing can significantly increase the milk yield. The additional costs for the milk replacer are then no longer significant due to the increased milk yield.
The challenge: Newborn calves are particularly challenging in the first few weeks of life, as their active immunity is not yet fully developed. Digestive problems such as infectious calf diarrhoea are particularly problematic for many farms. These problems often occur in the first two weeks of life and have various causes, e.g. high calving and […]
The challenge: The diarrhoea that occurs is not always caused by an infection, but can also be triggered by non-infectious factors. These include, for example, feeding errors, feed changes or inadequate hygiene. In the case of diarrhoea, immediate reaction is important to prevent not only dehydration but also undersupply of the piglet. The need for […]
How much protein does the cow really need? This question is discussed very intensively in the field of dairy cow feeding. Especially for high-yielding cows, the needs-based supply of feed protein plays a decisive role. Not only for the health and performance of the animal, but also for the environment (new fertiliser regulations!) and the profitability of the farm.
The climatic conditions in the summer months are often an undetected problem for high-yielding dairy cows. Even at 20 °C and especially in high humidity, heat stress affects the performance and health of the cow.
It is recommended to feed rumen-stable fat powder.
When using rumen-stable fats, it is important to know their special properties. Because: not all fats are the same!
Products on the market differ significantly in terms of the fatty acid pattern, the manufacturing process and thus also in terms of rumen stability and digestibility. The right mix of C16:0 and C18:0 makes it work
The challenge: In cases of diarrhoea, the calf excretes large amounts of electrolytes and fluid, which needs to be compensated via the feed. Electrolytes are acids, bases and also salts. They form a sensitive balance in the body, the electrolyte balance. This is the basis for many important biochemical processes in the body. A disruption […]
Newborn calves are particularly sensitive in the first few weeks of life, as their immune defences are not yet fully developed. Digestive disorders in particular, such as infectious calf diarrhoea, are a significant risk for many farms. These problems often occur in the first two weeks of life and are promoted by factors such as […]
The challenge: In cases of diarrhoea, the calf excretes large amounts of electrolytes in addition to fluid and these electrolytes must be supplied once again via the drink. Electrolytes are acids, bases and also salts. They form a delicate balance in the body, the electrolyte balance. This is the basis for many important biochemical processes […]
The challenge: Breeding has significantly increased the growth- and performance potential. Not only of dairy cows and pigs but also of pigs. This goes hand in hand with a significantly higher energy requirement. For a successful economical animal farming, it is important to take care of a careful component selection. This is why highly digestible […]
The challenge: Increased performance of modern dairy cows require not only a precise but also a demand-based ration. Previous assumptions showed no need for an additional supply of B vitamins. These are synthesised sufficiently by microbes in the rumen. But recent studies show that with increasing performance, the need for B vitamins also increases. They […]
The challenge: In high performing dairy, the synthesis of first limiting amino acids by rumen microbes is often limited. For example methionine and lysine. The situation in GMO-free rations is similar: rapeseed meal and other by-products also require additional supply of methionine and especially lysine. The deficiency could theoretically be compensated by an increased supply […]
The challenge: 80% of dairy cow deaths are caused by metabolic disorders. Here, the liver is the central organ. Especially in early lactation but also with increased fat mobilisation, the liver reaches its limits. The consequences of overload can not only be ketosis, but also fat mobilisation syndrome, puerperal disorders or fertility problems. Choline is […]
The challenge: Dairy cows are dependent on the supply of essential amino acids on intestinal level. Methionine is renowned as first limiting amino acid. Furthermore it is substantial for the synthesis of milk protein but also a smooth fat metabolism in the liver. During lactation peak, there is often competition for methionine. A deficiency therefore […]
The challenge: Dairy cows rely on the supply of essential amino acids on intestinal level. Commonly, methionine is the first limiting amino acid in most rations, followed by lysine. GMO-free rations increasingly contain rapeseed meal to replace soy, which commonly makes lysine the first limiting amino acid. Lysine deficiency on intestinal level leads not only […]
The challenge: Whole milk feeding for calves often comes with risks. Although this method seems to be the most natural, the nutrient supply of calves receiving solely whole milk is often not sufficient. Due to genetic breeding, milk composition but also quantities have changed and no longer fit to the demand of calves. Essential vitamins, […]
The challenge: During calving, the dairy cow is under a severe stress situation. However, calving can affect the start of lactation but also longevity significantly. The consequences of birth are a dramatic loss of liquid through the passing of the amniotic fluid. In order to prevent the cow from these deficiencies directly after calving, providing […]
The challenge: Diarrhoea in the first four weeks of life is one of the most common health problems in calves and can cause considerable economic damage. Non-infectious diarrhoea in particular is a major challenge as the loss of fluids and electrolytes can severely impair the development of young animals. The most common causes of non-infectious […]
The challenge: Problems with low fertility rates and decreased longevity are common challenges in dairy cows. However, these problems are not caused by high performance levels but rather a lack in the supply of sufficient energy. Energy demand for milk production highly depends on milk fat content. The higher the milk fat synthesis, the higher […]
The challenge: Calf rearing focuses on growth, security and the best possible exploitation of growth potential. Depending on the breeding goal and market situation, companies can choose between two types of milk replacer. There are milk replacer based on skimmed milk or based on whey powder. In order to save costs in calf rearing, it […]
The challenge: Calf rearing focuses on growth, security and the best possible exploitation of growth potential. Depending on the breeding goal and market situation, companies can choose between two types of milk replacer. There are milk replacer based on skimmed milk or based on whey powder. The two-phase feeding can save costs under certain market […]
The challenge: Dairy cows often have problems with impaired fertility and decreased longevity. These problems are in most cases not connected to high milk yields. They rather can be traced back to an inadequate energy supply. The energy required for milk production depends mainly on the fat content in the milk. The higher the milk […]
The challenge: A common problem in the first third of lactation is the limited ration intake. The rumen plays a central role in the digestion process of the major ration components. In addition to the palatability of the feed, also balanced supplies of fast, medium and slow degradable components are of utmost importance. They allow […]
The challenge: The first weeks of life of the calf lay the basis for later performance. Also some studies have shown that intensive rearing leads to higher performance in the first lactation. To achieve this goal, some rely on an ad libitum feeding. Calf milk must meet certain requirements for this feeding regime. Acidification offers […]
The challenge: Choosing the right calf milk replacer forms not only the foundation for problem-free but also successful calf rearing. It results in healthy and productive animals. A milk replacer with a combination of high-quality whey proteins, skimmed milk powder, vegetable fats but also digestable vegetable protein can be used optimally throughout the rearing period […]
The challenge: Successful calf rearing focuses on growth, security and the best possible exploitation of growth potential. Depending on the breeding goal and market situation, companies can choose between two types of milk replacer: milk replacer based on skimmed milk or based on whey powder. Practice shows that high weight gains can also be achieved […]
The challenge: During the first weeks in calf life, the basis for later performance is set. Some studies have shown that intensive rearing leads to higher performance in the first lactation. To achieve this goal, some rely on ad libitum feeding. Calf milk must meet certain requirements for this feeding regime. In practice, the use […]
The challenge: The digestive system of young calves is very sensitive. So, the use of high-quality protein sources is recommended in the first weeks of life. Milk replacers with a combination of skimmed milk powder, whey protein, highly digestible wheat protein but also vegetable fats have proven to show best results in performance-oriented calf rearing, […]
The challenge: The growth potential of young calves should be optimally exploited in rearing. Also, the milk replacer must be optimally tailored according to the needs. Protein supply is an important aspect in this context. An oversupply often negatively affects the animal health. The metabolic load increases. At the same time, there is an increased […]
The challenge: Only healthy, optimally nourished calves can achieve high milk yields as later dairy cows. The basis for this is laid in the first weeks of the calf’s life (metabolic programming). In the first weeks of life, the calf only has milk as a source of energy and nutrients. Since the young digestive system […]
The challenge: At the beginning of rearing, there is a high infection pressure on many farms. At the same time, calves are particularly susceptible to health problems at this time. The basis for carefree, and also healthy rearing is set by aiming for perfect conditions. This contains an optimal colostrum management and an intensive feeding […]
The challenge: Breeding has greatly increased the genetic potential of dairy cows for high milk yields. However, this has also increased the daily energy and protein requirements. In order to meet this increased demand for energy and protein or amino acids, particular attention must be paid to the supply of small intestine-digestible amino acids from […]
The challenge: On the basis of conventional rations (grass, maize, concentrated feed), it is difficult to achieve milk yields above 8.000 kg / year. This can only be achieved with an additional energy supply. Especially in stressful situations but also phases of high performance (e.g. during early lactation) it is important to ensure energy supply. […]
The challenge: Energy deficiency in the first third of lactation After calving the nutritional requirement of the dairy cow increases rapidly, whereas ration intake increases slowly. This leads to an immense energy deficiency during the first 100 days of lactation. Also, the estrous cycle begins again which may lead to further pregnancy. The challenge is […]
The challenge: According to current studies, the majority of young calves’ diarrhoea occurring until the 14th day of life is of an infectious nature (e.g. due to clostridia). In addition, feeding-related problems can occur during the changeover phase. For this reason, securing health and immunity is of great importance. Both of these can be promoted […]
The challenge: Dairy cows are exposed to particularly high strain during calving, which can thus significantly affect the start-up phase of lactation but also the cow´s further life. The consequences of a birth are a dramatic loss of liquid through the passing of the amniotic fluid. In order to prevent the cow from these deficiencies […]
The challenge: Transport-related stress but also bringing many calves from different sources together are among the main reasons for the rapid spread of disease pathogens. In addition, the levels of vitamins and trace elements supplied greatly vary from calf to calf and are often inadequate. This can lead to reduced immunity in the calf. These […]
The challenge: Calves do not obtain any immunoglobulins from the cow´s uterus. Directly after birth the calf’s immunity is based only on the supply of colostrum. This is why a sufficient but also fast supply of colostrum is required. In case of an insufficient supply of immunoglobulins, there are problems such as high mortality, total […]
The challenge: When feeding calves on dairy farms with whole milk there is always a risk. Although whole milk feeding seems to be the natural method, the nutrient supply of calves based only on whole milk is often insufficient. Milk composition and quantity has changed due to genetic breeding and it is no longer adequate […]
The challenge: At the start of the weaning phase, only small amounts of solid feed are ingested. The objective must be to slowly get the entire group accustomed to solid food without any decreases in performance. Investigations show that a period of 2 to 3 weeks should be planned for the reduction of milk feeding. […]
The challenge: During rearing, the animals’ growth potential should be optimally utilised. Negative factors during this phase costs the animal energy and therefore usually also growth. Supporting the immune system is therefore of great importance. This can prevent growth depression and minimise financial losses. Negative factors can include transport, rehousing or feed changes. Appetite-stimulating substances […]