Select Sires

SELECTIONS - Winter 2005
Protecting Your Genetic Investment

Winter can be a tough time for calves. With colder temperatures setting in, calves use more energy to stay warm, running the risk of compromising their immune systems. Protect the investment you make in your herd’s genetic future by using the CONVERT™ Calf Program. Keeping your calves healthy and growing allows them to maximize all of the genetic potential you are putting into them by using Select Sires semen.

Historically, many producers have used milk replacers containing sub-therapeutic levels of antibiotics. This is now being scrutinized, citing the potential for resistant strains of bacteria, the higher cost of milk replacers, as well as noting the antibiotic levels used are ineffective in preventing disease.

Recently, the Washington State Dairy Federation recommended replacing the practice of feeding these milk replacers with proven practices such as good colostrum management, bio-security protocols, feeding coccidiostats and direct-fed microbials.

CONVERT Calf Products

CONVERT calf products are a special blend of naturally occurring direct-fed microorganisms (Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium), unique and proprietary L-form lactobacillus, microbial sugars, enzymes and specialized proteins. These ingredients provide essential management tools for production and environmental-related challenges. These products do not contain antibiotics and are proven to be safe and effective. CONVERT calf products include Day-One Calf Gel and Bolus (effective at birth and during times of extraordinary challenges), Newborn Calf Formula 100D (100-dose milk additive) and Calf Powder 1000D Ranch Pack (1,000-dose milk additive). Ideally, the CONVERT Calf Program incorporates Day-One Gel orally at birth and Calf Powder in the milk for the first 14 to 21 days.

Usage

CONVERT calf products provide an economical solution that provides protection against losing valuable herd replacements. In addition, they offer the flexibility to increase or decrease the amount given depending on the challenges the calves are facing. Use the "Dial-It-Up/Dial-It-Down" approach with CONVERT Day-One Calf Gel, using between a 5-cc and 15-cc dose based on your farm challenges.

The CONVERT Powder can be fed to equal a 15-cc dose of CONVERT Day-One Gel by using eight times the recommended daily feeding rate listed on the CONVERT Powder label. For those that would rather use the product in the milk or milk replacer, this is a great option.

Evidence

Research done at Oklahoma State University shows improved recovery of shipping-stressed calves. The use of CONVERT Day-One Gel during the first antimicrobial treatment reduced the need for a second treatment by nearly 50 percent as compared to the control. Also, in a recent calf trial conducted at Purdue University, a numerical reduction in calf scours as well as a decrease in medication expense was cited for sick calves that were treated when using CONVERT Day-One Gel. Most importantly, producers using CONVERT calf products report reduction in scours, improved appetites, increased growth rates and decreased calf mortality.

Cost

The CONVERT Calf Program will cost as little as $9 per calf. With today’s high value of replacement heifers, $9 is a small investment to help protect the future of your herd. Ask your Select Sires representative to help you set up a CONVERT Calf Program to protect your genetic investment. For technical assistance, contact Agrarian Marketing Corporation™ at (888) 254-1482

™CONVERT and Agrarian Marketing Corporation are trademarks of Agrarian Marketing Corporation, Middlebury, IN.

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Select Sires Inc., 11740 U.S. 42 North, Plain City, Ohio 43064 / Phone: (614) 873-4683 Fax: (614) 873-5751