Accelerated Genetics

Calf Accelerator 19-4

A premium 19% protein texturized calf starter formulated for optimum calf growth in all seasons. Contains Neotec® and Apex to improve feed efficiency and starter intake.

30157 50 lbs.

 

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The ideal feed for rapid and early rumen development. Highly palatable and easily digestible for optimum intakes feed conversion rates of gain and health. Begin feeding by one week of age and continue up to 12 weeks of age.

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ACT Calf Accelerator Calf Starter is based on expert-reviewed, controlled research proven repeatedly to improve calf performance, efficiency, and economics of production. Calf Accelerator is high in starch and low in fiber to promote consumption, rapid rumen development, and rate of gain (J. Dairy Sci, 2008). The energy ingredients are only corn and oats, not fibrous by-products.

 

A blend of short chain fatty acids, medium chain fatty acids, and essential fatty acids repeatedly shown to improve calf performance are included in the starters and growers of Accelerated Genetics. The mode of action of these fatty acids is increased development of the intestinal mucosa and pancreas, antimicrobial properties of the fatty acids, and supply of essential fatty acids that are deficient in the diet. Several controlled trials with these nutrients have been published and summarized with these fatty acid blends known as Neotec4®. In the trials with calves less than 2months of age, an all-milk protein milk replacer was fed. In both starter and grower trials (Table 1), calves fed Neotec4® had greater average daily gains, feed efficiency, and changes in hip widths with no change in starter intake or body condition scores (BCS).

Table 1. Performance of calves fed Neotec4® or a control starter - 0-2 months of age (Performance of calves fed Neotec4 or a control grower - 2-4 months of age)
Item	Daily gain, lb/day	Starter intake, lb/day	Feed efficiency, gain/feed	Hip width change, inches	BCS change	Days with scours
Control	1.26 (2.11)	1.51 (6.01)	0.602 (0.35)	1.20 (2.00)	0.5 (0.3)	6.0
Neotec4	1.40 (2.32)	1.61 (6.03)	0.654 (0.39)	1.53 (2.10)	0.5 (0.3)	4.8
Change	10% (10%)	--	8% (10%)	27% (5%)	--	-21%

 

Additionally, a blend of various botanical products, Apex, is included in Calf Accelerator. Apex has been shown to improve calf body weight gain, starter intake, feed efficiency, and hip width change in calves under 2 months old fed a soy-based milk replacer (Table 2).

Table 2. Performance of calves fed Apex or a control starter (0-2 months of age)
Item	Daily gain, lb/day	Starter intake, lb/day	Feed efficiency, gain/feed	Hip width change, inches	BCS change
Control	0.89	1.49	0.46	1.18	0.4
Apex	1.10	1.81	0.49	1.50	0.4
Change	23%	21%	6%	27%	--

 

By: Mark Hill, Ph.D., Akey

 

References:

Prof. Anim. Sci. 23:665-671 (2007)

Prof. Anim. Sci. 23:521-526 (2007)

J. Dairy Sci. 92: 3128-3137 (2008)

J. Dairy Sci. 92: 670-676 (2009)

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Focus On These Five Factors Affecting Calf Performance:

1. Colostrum:
   • A good colostrum program consists of feeding at least 4 quarts of a high quality, clean colostrum to an average sized Holstein calf within an hour of birth. Colostrum should be the first milk from the udder after a dry period of at least 30 days from a properly vaccinated dry cow that is on a good nutrition program. Colostrum products from Accelerated Genetics can supplement low quality colostrum or be used as a replacement feed if no fresh colostrum is available.
2. Cleanliness:
   • Reducing pathogen load is something that is very important. This is done with good biosecurity such as following all in all out principles with calf housing. Follow proper cleaning and sanitation protocols for all feeding equipment on a consistent basis. Good cleaning is not using just a dish soap on equipment. For best results, use the same system used in a milk house for cleaning the milking equipment.
3. Nutrition:
   • Use a good quality milk replacer and feed it at recommended levels. Start feeding a good quality calf starter by day 3 in small quantities. Keep the starter fresh by replacing daily and offer free choice clean water at all times. Work with your local Accelerated Genetics representative to fine tune your nutritional products to match your performance goals.
4. Environment:
   • Keeping calves comfortable will reduce stress and improve performance. Make sure they are properly bedded, kept dry and there are no drafts. In addition, during cold weather, make sure calves have a place to "nest" to stay warm.
5. Reduce Stress:
   • Stress reduces calf performance. Stress comes from dehorning, vaccinating, tail docking, weaning, moving, grouping and socialization. Plan today to spread out the above activities with your calves and you will minimize stress. Remember that preweaned calves are still babies. They need to be treated this way.