This document discusses strategies for starting calves on feed, including the importance of stimulating feed intake and an active immune system. It recommends starting diets that are highly palatable and nutrient dense, with elevated levels of protein, energy, vitamins, minerals and trace minerals like zinc and copper to support the immune system. Liquid feed supplements are described as an easy way to ensure accurate and uniform consumption of balanced rations for stressed calves.

1. Curtis Alderson Quality Liquid Feeds Starting Calves

2. Poor Immunity Depressed Intake Sickness Stress Shrink Challenges

3. S ick cattle don’t eat, Cattle that don’t eat get sick.

4. The step to overcome in a stressed or sick animal is stimulating feed intake. By Week 3, DMI for the entire feeding period can be predicted.

5. Water The most important nutrient in the diet Clean Supply may have concerns w/ contaminants sulfur, nitrates, TDS etc.

6. Goal of Starting Diets Stimulate feed intake Stimulate rumen microbial growth Stimulate an active immune system

7. Starting Diets Potentially lower intakes so calves need a nutrient dense diet.

8. Starting Diet: Energy Forage alone is not an adequate starting diet Target energy level = 47 Mcal of NEg (DM basis) Approximately 30% roughage and 70% ETOH byproducts, grain and supplement.

9. Starting Diet: Protein Higher protein levels are necessary Sources should be palatable Blends of natural protein and NPN

10. Nutrient Requirements for Stressed 500 lb calves DMI 13-14 pounds Crude Protein (12-15%) Energy 47 Mcal Calcium 0.6-0.8 % Phosphorus 0.3-0.4 % Vitamin A 25,000 IU/d Vitamin E 400 IU/d Zinc 400 mg/d Copper 125 mg/d

11. Starting Diet Concepts Highly palatable Elevated Organic & inorganic forms of trace minerals: Zn, Cu, K, Mn, Co, I, Se Elevated levels of Vitamins A & E

12. Vaccination Success Is dependant on the immune system to respond Immune system must have adequate protein, energy and vitamins & trace minerals

13. Zinc higher levels, organic & inorganic Zn deficiency depresses immunity Zn methionine (Zinpro) increased gain and decreased morbidity compared to controls Zinc supplementation can improve gain of sick calves

14. Copper higher levels, organic & inorganic Copper deficiency depresses the immune system. During stress, complexed copper increases absorption and retention of copper.

15. Potassium K is lost during shipping, Receiving diets should contain 1.2 to 1.4% (DM) potassium (K) Alfalfa hay - high K May contribute to scour or bloat problems

16. NutriStart & CoreStart Molasses based, highly palatable, smell attracts calves Liquid helps to condition dry diets Feeding rate 1-3 lbs.

17. Feedlot Diets

18. Feeding ETOH By-products Pricing Mod WDGS 13.5-15.5 X corn price $5 corn = $75 ton mWDGS $85 /.45= $189 t (dry matter) x 0.85 = $ 161 t (corn as fed) $0.08 x 56 = $4.50 bushel

19. Pro’s & Cons Pros No starch, digestible fiber Improves palatability Source of by-pass protein, Phos, fat Less foundering and acidosis Cons Handling Storage losses Delivery/availability High sulfur Mineral antagonist PEM (polio’s)

20. Supplement Strategies High P requires higher Ca To prevent urinary calculi High S interacts w/: Zn, Cu, Se Thiamine for PEM? maybe Mostly by-pass protein: some NPN supplies a readily available source of rumen ammonia.

21. Why liquid? Cadillac of mixing and staying dispersed. Ease and accuracy of handling Push a button Once mixed, stays mixed. Can lower dust.

22. $380 /ton R 650 11.5 % Ca 2.5 -3.2 % inclusion Cost / head 10-13 cents $260/ ton R 400 8 % Ca 5-7 % inclusion Cost 13-16 cents

23. Country Partners Starters: Nutri-Start, Core-Start Feedlot Co 20