LifeStart programme
LifeStart is a science-based platform for dairy calves that deals with the critical first months of a dairy calf’s life.
Metabolic programming to ensure calf growth
Our LifeStart research shows the impact of metabolic programming for calves, promoting healthy growth, unlocking their full genetic potential, and improving future productivity.
Healthy from the start
How a calf develops in the first weeks of life is the most crucial determinant of a robust future. Trouw Nutrition’s LifeStart calf rearing program ensures animals receive the highest level of nutrition from birth. Throughout this critical period, intensive nourishment ensures calves produce more milk with a reduced risk of culling during first lactations and grow up healthy, strong, and resilient to disease.
Calf growth directly affects cow performance
We are dedicated to helping dairy farmers raise cattle sustainably and maximize the daily production of every cow over its lifetime. Producing more milk with fewer cows, particularly young stock, is achievable by utilizing the full potential of each animal. Good calf development:
- Reduces mortality
- Improves udder development of the future cow
- Reduces calving age of heifers
- Increases milk production per lactation and the number of lactations per cow
Our scientifically-based LifeStart program has demonstrated to farmers that investing in intensive calf feeding at the start is essential for the success of their future dairy herd.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I be concerned about the thin faeces being eliminated by young calves who are receiving a great deal of milk?
Not at all. Calves are similar to babies in their first week of life, with a developing digestive system and faeces that appear porridge-like. As the gut matures after two to three weeks, the faeces become firmer – a much more rapid process than in babies.
My calves like drinking milk, but not calf starter. How can I encourage them to consume more calf starter?
Most importantly, check the availability of water for your calves. They need four to five litres of water per kilogram of dry feed. If the supply of water is limited or failing, calf starter consumption will decrease. Make sure good quality water is in ample supply and freely available.
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