ARTICLE 54 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE January 2024 While effective management plays a significant role, proper nutrition and nutritional interventions also play a vital part in paving the way towards a more productive life and generating more Golden Girls. As a young ruminant, her nutritional requirements and nutritional health needs, are comparable to other young bovines, including beef calves, as they become full-fledged ruminants. It’s important to keep in mind that post weaned calves are still developing their rumens and their diets need to account for this continued development. Supporting optimal health and performance is crucial. One way to support her health and performance is to incorporate a postbiotic feed additive. A postbiotic has been proven to support balanced immunity, digestive health and development, and overall growth and performance. Be sure to engage your nutritionist and veterinarian for nutrition and management solutions to create a program that’s ideal for your herd. Extending the productive life of dairies may be a necessity under the current and predicted dairy environment. Achieving this goal requires a high level of management and focused intentionality. Creating the environment that creates and retains more profitable mature cows (“Golden Girls”) along with producing the right number of quality mature heifers (“Platinum Heifers”) is a large part of the Productive Life story. About Dr. Gavin Staley As a Technical Service Specialist for Diamond V, Dr. Gavin Staley provides technical and sales support to dairy producers, nutritionists, and feed manufacturers. He is based in Turlock, California. Before joining Diamond V Dr. Staley spent five years on faculty at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, as a Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Reproduction. Following that he entered the private sector, joining the largest commercial dairy practice in South Africa. Later Dr. Staley and his family emigrated to the United States where he joined a dairy practice in Wisconsin. He later relocated with his family to California in 2003 when he joined Diamond V. Dr. Staley received his veterinary qualification and earned a specialized degree in reproduction (MMedVet) from the University of Pretoria, South Africa. He also achieved Diplomate status in the America College of Theriogenologists (DiplAct).
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