Amino acids may be the most underrated nutritional tool for transforming heifer development and health on your dairy farm. In this eye-opening episode, Ken March takes us through his remarkable journey from East London to becoming a dairy nutrition specialist in West Wales, where his thirst for knowledge led him to the cutting edge of amino acid nutrition.
Ken shares results from a ground breaking trial comparing 100 calves on a standard diet against 100 calves receiving an amino acid-balanced diet from birth through first lactation. When salmonella struck both groups, only three calves died in the amino acid group compared to twelve in the control group—a dramatic demonstration of enhanced immunity. The treated calves grew faster (0.8kg/day versus 0.54kg/day), reached breeding weight earlier, and continued producing one litre more milk daily throughout their first lactation, even after both groups were managed identically without amino acid supplementation during lactation.
Perhaps most striking is the farm owner's observation that he couldn't distinguish between first-lactation heifers from the trial group and mature cows when viewed from behind in the parlour—their development was that impressive. This profound finding reinforces Ken's passionate belief that meeting animals' nutritional requirements from birth creates healthier, more productive cows.
The conversation challenges conventional wisdom about protein levels, with Ken sharing examples of herds achieving 39 litres on just 15.5% crude protein diets when properly balanced for amino acids. As Professor Gabriela Varga noted, "Cows do not have a crude protein requirement"—they require specific amino acids in the right proportions.
Whether you're struggling with health challenges in your replacement heifers or looking to optimise your feeding program, this episode offers practical insights into how precise amino acid balancing can transform your herd's performance, health, and ultimately your farm's profitability. Tune in to discover why meeting your animals' nutritional requirements isn't an expense—it's your most valuable investment.
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