HERFS/AUTUMN BONUS TYDSKRIF 2026

Rearing dairy calves for profitability in KZN: The De Heus Kaliber® system Chris Taylor – Technical Specialist: Dairy In the lush, pasture-rich landscape of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), dairy farming presents a unique set of opportunities and challenges. A key factor in determining a farm’s long-termprofitability and sustainability is the successful rearing of replacement heifers. Done correctly, a well-managed heifer-rearing programme can significantly reduce costs and increase lifetimemilk production. The De Heus Kaliber® Calf Rearing Plan offers a structured, phase-based approach designed to achieve this, with a primary focus on getting heifers to calve down at an optimal age of 24months. The De Heus Kaliber® Plan: A holistic approach The Kaliber® system is built on the principle of developing a heifer with “Kaliber®” – a term referring to the ideal proportions of height, weight, and size. This means promoting good skeletal growth without excessive fat deposition, which can negatively impact future milk production and health. The programme breaks down the rearing period into four critical phases, each with specific nutritional and management goals. Phase 1: The start phase (0–5months) This phase is about providing a solid foundation. The primary goals are to establish a healthy calf with a well- developed rumen. While still receiving milk or a high-quality milk replacer, calves are introduced to a specialised starter pellet, such as Kaliber® Starter. This encourages early solid feed intake, which is essential for stimulating rumen papillae development. The aim is to achieve safe, optimal growth during this vulnerable period. Phase 2: The youth phase (5–8months) Often, the most overlooked stage, the youth phase, is where a calf has its most efficient growth potential. The focus shifts to maximising growth with the right nutrition. The diet transitions to include good quality roughage supplemented with a feed like Kaliber® Junior. This ensures continued skeletal development while preventing the calf from becoming fat. Phase 3: The puberty phase (8–14months) This stage is crucial for developing the heifer’s body frame and preparing her for insemination. The goal is to continue skeletal growth in height and length without laying Herfs/Autumn 2026 BONUS www.agribonus.co.za 124