After weaning, calves aged 2 to 6 months should continue being fed a high-quality diet for at least two weeks. On the first day, feed 1.8–2 kg of concentrate, then gradually increase the amount to support growth. The crude protein content in the diet should be between 16% and 20%, depending on the quality of the forage, and continue feeding this until the calf reaches 6 months of age. The longer the calf remains on this diet, the better it is for its development.
For roughage during this period, it's crucial to use high-quality, mold-free materials with a high protein content. The feed should be chopped properly, with more leaves and fewer stalks, allowing the calves to eat freely. It’s recommended not to feed fermented roughage to yaks under 4–6 months old. Only after reaching 4–6 months can small amounts of fermented material be introduced. High dry matter content is essential for the diet of young yaks.
Before 6 months, the main role of roughage is to promote rumen development. Yaks have lower digestibility of dry matter from roughage compared to cereals. As they grow, the proportion of roughage in their diet increases. The palatability and quality of roughage become especially important between 4–6 months. At this stage, yaks require a clean, dry bed, good ventilation, and a comfortable environment in the barn.
For calves over 6 months, the quality and quantity of roughage play a key role in determining nutrient balance and intake. As forage matures, its protein, TDN, calcium, and phosphorus levels decrease, while fiber increases, reducing its nutritional value. Before 8–10 months, the rumen is still developing, so relying solely on roughage may not meet growth needs. Between 6–9 months, at least half of the dry matter in the diet should come from hay. The concentrate should be carefully balanced to match the nutrients from the roughage, which requires analysis of the forage to ensure proper formulation.
Grain mixtures should be coarsely ground and highly palatable. After 10–12 months, cattle can be fed silage, with about 5 kg of silage per kilogram of body weight daily. However, free-choice corn silage may lead to fat accumulation. To avoid bloat, only high-energy silage should be used for cattle over 12 months, and the amount should be limited to what can be digested within 10–12 hours. Monitoring the dry matter intake of forage helps estimate total feed consumption. Since silage alone can cause protein deficiency, 1.4–2.3 kg of concentrate with 20% crude protein should be added daily, along with trace minerals and additives. Clean water must always be available.
Proper feeding and management are critical for growth. Five key factors influence cattle growth: nutrition, management, housing, health, and genetics. All these aspects need attention to ensure optimal development.
For breeding management of reserve cattle (12–24 months), maintaining steady weight gain 30 days before and after mating is essential for good estrus performance and successful conception. In breeding systems, sexual maturity and breeding readiness are based on physical condition, not age. If managed well, cows can calve at 24 months.
To achieve this, reserve cattle should be bred by 15 months. This means starting breeding at 12 months and continuing to mate non-pregnant animals for the next 90 days. During this time, there are about 4.5 estrous cycles, offering multiple breeding opportunities.
Mating dates should be planned in advance. Observing and recording estrus helps predict future cycles and identify any issues early. Timely intervention ensures efficient breeding and prevents delays. From mating to calving, feeding and management must be precise to support both fetal and maternal development while minimizing fat deposition in the udder and birth canal.
Different kind of Transport Swab,viral transport swab, bacterial swab.
Transport Swab,Sample Collection Swab,Viral Transport Swab
Luck Medical Consumables Co.,LIMITED , https://www.luckmedical.com