Use of inadequate facilities is one of the main factors related to high mortality rates or illnesses in young animals
The breeding phase in cattle farming, which goes from birth to weaning of animals, is one of the most critical periods within the dairy farm. For producers to be successful at this stage, the Emater-DF (Technical Assistance and Rural Extension Company of the Federal District) presents, during the fair AgroBrasília 2024 –which runs until Saturday (May 25, 2024)–, an Argentinean model of calving, a low-cost facility where animals are safe and healthy until weaning.
The coordinator of the Ruminants and Equine Program at Emater-DF, Maximiliano Cardososays that the use of inadequate facilities is one of the main factors related to high mortality rates or illnesses in young animals.
“We want to show producers an example of a simple installation that combines compliance with environmental and animal management requirements, enabling them to wean animals weighing 110 kg in a period of 90 days”says the zootechnician.
Among the advantages of this system are:
- individualized breastfeeding control;
- water control;
- weight gain control;
- visual contact of animals;
- separation of calves by age;
- floor humidity control;
- good ventilation; It is
- access to shade.
In addition to the installation, a breastfeeding strategy is presented for the good development of calves.
Argentine calf
The system consists of keeping the animal contained and individualized, but allows movement using a wire fixed at the ends. Individualization makes it possible to estimate the consumption of milk, concentrate and water. Water is supplied at one end of the wire, while concentrate is administered at the other and, with a shadow in the middle, the animal moves.
The model presented by Emater in the technological notebook, made available digitally, holds 4 calves, serving the majority of properties in Brasília. The cost of implementing the calf raiser presented is R$2,282. The estimate is based on price research in Brasília.
Zootechnician Maximiliano Cardoso says that there may be some price variations for inputs and materials depending on the region. “Some equipment, such as troughs and drinking fountains, can be made using drums and other reused materials, without risk to the health and integrity of the animals, thus lowering the cost of the project.”
In the cattle farming circuit at the Emater space at AgroBrasília, it is possible to see a model for 2 animals, check the materials used and clarify doubts with the company’s technicians.
Nutrition
As a proposed concept and change in the calf and breeding system, there is also a need to change the breastfeeding strategy. It is suggested to use 6 liters of milk during the first 30 days of the calf’s life, subdivided into 3 liters in the morning and 3 liters in the afternoon.
From the 31st to the 60th day of life, the calves will receive 4 liters of milk only in the morning, thus forcing an increase in concentrate consumption. From the 61st to the 90th day of life, when the weaning process begins, they will receive 3 liters of milk in the morning.
Following this new breastfeeding system, targets are set for the calf to weigh 60 kg at 30 days of life; 80 kg, after 60 days, and 110 kg, after 90 days.
“This objective would hardly be achieved by carrying out traditional management only with the milk supplied and in small quantities”says the zootechnician.
With information from Brasilia Agency.
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