UUDISED

GOOD PROJECT EXAMPLE: Development of the Calf Starter for Ensuring the Best Performance, Health and Digestive Tract Development

The problem to be solved

The objective of the project was to develop a calf starter with optimum composition to identify the impact of feed on the performance, health and digestive tract development of calves. Farmers are interested in the optimum composition and price of the feed. However, very often calves´ intake of starter is not being paid attention to. It is critical that calves begin eating starters as quickly as possible to ensure the optimum weight during weaning.

The most suitable starter was formulated based on the knowledge of factors affecting starter intake, taking into consideration local conditions for feeding and managing calves to ensure the expected performance and health of the young stock. The test confirmed that starter intake is essential for the growth and development of the calf. Recipes of the starter were formulated by common efforts of the scientists and Anu Ait. The recipes are based on nutrient requirements of calves and on the data on feed tastiness provided in the research literature. The animal feed intake is higher when the feed is tasty and consequently, the animal is healthier. 

  
”Thanks to the project we have evidence that the calf starter developed in Estonia is of world-class quality. It is comparable to the feeds of large international companies. The calf starter is an investment for starting a strong cattle and successful milk production.” Anu Hellenurme, the project leader

Project outcomes

The results of the project proved that the calf starter developed in Estonia has the finest quality. Thus, the work of Estonian scientists has been recognized and the Estonian starter market can deliver a message about the world-level quality of Estonian calf starters. The impact of the project on the sector producing livestock is significant. The efficiency of farms can be increased, animals will be healthier and animal production becomes more sustainable. In a wider perspective, the project has an impact on human consumption – the food will be of better nutritional quality. Another very important aspect of the project was the cooperation experience gained through the process. There was cooperation between scientists, farmers and feed producers from Estonia and other countries.

The most important aspect of the project was the involvement of people and the communication between them, as well as an exchange of knowledge and experience to meet the common objective. It became evident that actual and meaningful cooperation is possible thanks to the devotion of people. The new Estonian calf starter ensures the good health of the herd, which in turn, brings good nutritive and quality food to the table.