Representing Nanta, Manuel Rondón, Dairy Cattle Product Manager, and José María Álvarez, from the Dairy Cattle technical service, addressed the Prima Program for Heifer Rearing, which is aimed at achieving the maximum development of calves during their first two months of life.
One of the aspects emphasized was the great importance of animal welfare in calf rearing, especially in newborn and young animals, having a direct relationship with productive efficiency. The Prima Program is based on four pillars: colostrum, lactation, weaning, and care (including health, management, and hygiene).
Meanwhile, Manuela Jiménez, Ruminants Marketing Manager at Zoetis, explained, from their positioning as “Heifer Specialists”, why it is essential to have a health plan and program for heifers. “Rearing is a very important chapter in a farm’s investments, and it is estimated to represent approximately 20% of the cost of producing a liter of milk.”
She also emphasized that calves are the genetic future of the farm, and their care and management will determine achieving greater productive capacity in the future. Therefore, it is crucial to establish a program that minimizes time and optimizes investment, developing productive animals within the expected timeframe to become part of the dairy herd replacement. “A comprehensive plan, based on health, nutrition, management, and genetics, will lay the foundations to ensure profitable and sustainable production over time”, she stated.
Regarding animal health, Manuela Jiménez addressed the impact of Bovine Respiratory Disease in dairy cattle farming, in addition to communicating the main conclusions of a recent field study conducted by Zoetis that reflects the high prevalence in Spain of the main pathogens involved in this syndrome.
Finally, Manuela pointed to genetics as a key element in this comprehensive plan for heifers. In this regard, she presented CLARIFIDE®, the new and powerful genomic tool that allows for more profitable and earlier management decisions in the life of heifers.
More information at www.especialistasennovillas.es
About Zoetis
Zoetis is the leading animal health company, dedicated to supporting its customers and their businesses. Built on 60 years of experience in animal health, Zoetis discovers, develops, manufactures, and markets veterinary medicines and vaccines complemented by diagnostic products and supported by a wide range of services. In 2017, the company generated annual revenues of more than USD 5.307 billion. With nearly 9,000 employees globally, its products serve veterinarians, farmers, producers, and all those who raise and care for livestock and companion animals in over 100 countries.
More information at www.zoetis.es
Continue reading this content
Register for free or log in to access all rumiNews content.
