Whether rearing heifers for replacements, or for beef production, strong, healthy calves with optimal rumen development and a robust immune system are essential. Good quality colostrum and milk, along with creep feeding from a few days old give calves the best start in life.
High energy starch-based creep feeding, with high-quality proteins, fed with a source of long fibre, such as straw, from a few days old is proven to aid in the proper development of both the vascular supply to the rumen, and the development of the papillae which ensures optimum future rumen stability and feed efficiency. Ready access to fresh water and a balanced diet supports the microbial flora in the rumen, which is key for the calf to obtain the best nutrition from the feed they are supplied.