University of Guelph, Canada, Department of Animal Biosciences
Presentation title: Feeding for the future: Challenging dogmas in calf nutrition.
Prof. Michael Steele gained his PhD in Animal Science in 2011, focusing on changes in the rumen epithelium during acute ruminal acidosis. As a Full Professor at the University of Guelph, his research is now focused on early-life, gastrointestinal function and health in the ruminant. He and his team are doing leading research regarding colostrum, determining alternatives to antibiotics and the pros and cons of milk vs. milk replacer.
For his presentation, Dr. Steele will challenge our current dogmas regarding colostrum feeding, milk composition and feeding plane, as well as weaning and post-weaning nutrition. There are tremendous opportunities to develop healthier calves by fine-tuning calf nutrition to improve performance and health, but it requires an open mind and a willingness to challenge conventional methods of calf rearing.
