The following is a summary of numerous feeding trials summarized to show the benefits (“vantage”) of NutriVantage in calf milk replacers, calf starters, calf growers, and dairy beef supplements. Those results have continued to support many of the initial observations:

• Better feed intakes

• Better gains

• Better immune support

One example of a calf “vantage” is the response observed in a feeding study which looked at possible synergies with the NutriVantage Technology in calf milk replacer. Control calves were fed a 20/20 Milk Formula without NutriVantage Technology or MOS. Treatment calves received the NutriVantage Technology. All calves were fed a pelleted 18% Calf Starter with 45 grams/ton Deccox. For the purposes of this test the pelleted starter did not contain NutriVantage. The results are in Table 1.

 

Table 1. NutriVantage vantage in calf milk replacer.

8-Week Data	Control	NutriVantage	NutriVantage Vantage
Total Gains, lb	75.8	80.4	+4.6 lb
Avg. Daily Gain, lb	1.35	1.44	+0.09 lb
Milk Replacer Intake, lb (Powder)	47.8	47.9	--
Calf Starter Intake, Total lb	92.1	99.1	+7.0 lb
Feed Efficiency, lb feed per lb gain	1.67	1.65	-0.02 lb
Return over cost NutriVantage*			$9.80*
* see Economic Vantage below

The calves receiving NutriVantage Technology in the milk replacer were 4.6 pounds heavier at eight weeks of age. The NutriVantage calves also consumed more calf starter (+7.0 pounds in 8 weeks) and had better average daily gains (1.44 pounds/day vs. 1.35 pounds/day). This was a healthy group of calves and, as a result, scour scores and treated days did not differ due to treatment.

Economic “vantage” using the results of this test and prior tests, and the lower end of the calf market at the time of this trial, the projected returns would be:

• $250 average price for Holstein male calf ($2.50/lb)

• $1.70 for NutriVantage via milk replacer

This test:

• $1.70 for NutriVantage via milk replacer

• $9.80 return/$1.70 for NutriVantage = 5.7 FOLD RETURN

Typical results previous studies with NutriVantage in milk replacer and starter:

• $1.70 for NutriVantage via milk replacer

• $0.50 for NutriVantage in 100 lb calf starter first 8 weeks

• $2.50/lb x 7 lb gain = $17.50 - $2.20 = $15.50 return ÷ $2.20 for NutriVantage in milk replacer/starter = 7 FOLD RETURN

One Holstein dairy beef “vantage” example is a recent dairy beef grower feeding study in which NutriVantage synergies in Precision Dairy Beef (PDB) Grower were evaluated. The control group received a Precision Dairy Beef Grower 133R (PDB) without NutriVantage and the treatment group received the standard Precision Dairy Beef Grower 133R with NutriVantage. Both rations were made with 500 pounds PDB supplement and 1500 pounds whole shelled corn and were fed in self feeders for 56 days. The results are in Table 2.

Table 2. NutriVantage vantage in Precision Dairy Beef Grower

56-Day Data	Control	NutriVantage	NutriVantage Vantage
Total Gains, lb	151.8	158.8	+7.0 lb
Avg. Daily Gain, lb	2.66	2.70	+0.13 lb
Grower Intake, Total lb	687.5	675.0	-12.5 lb
Avg. Daily Grower Intake, lb	12.3	12.0	-0.3 lb
Feed Efficiency, lb feed per lb gain	4.53	4.25	-0.28 lb
Return over NutriVantage cost*			+6.20*
* see Economic Vantage below

The calves receiving the NutriVantage Technology in the PDB were 7.0 pounds heavier after eight weeks and had better average daily gain (2.79 lb/day vs 2.66 lb/day). In an unusual result in this study, the NutriVantage calves consumed less grower (12.5 lb in 8 weeks). The NutriVantage calves had better feed efficiency (4.25 vs 4.53). It should also be mentioned that this test was conducted in some of the coldest weather experienced that year.

Economic “vantage” using the results of this PDB test and the lower end of the Holstein male feeder calf market at the time of the trial the projected returns would be:

• $1.20/lb average price for Holstein male feeder calves 400-600 lb

• $2.20 for NutriVantage via PDB

This test:

• $6.20 return ÷ $2.20 for NutriVantage in PDB = 2.8 FOLD RETURN

What are the NutriVantage synergies referred to in the studies in this Nutrition Notes article? KNG continues work at the Product Development Center to evaluate additional products that will work synergistically with NutriVantage to improve animal performance. Developments will be introduced when finalized.

In the meantime, these results are good support for continuing to emphasize the “vantage” from NutriVantage.

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