Now, after one full season using Flourish Calf from Volac Milk Replacers Ireland Ltd, he says the difference is clear – in daily liveweight gain and improved energy to visibly healthier coats.Milking 98 pedigree Holstein Friesians across 155ac, Jerry rears up to 45 calves with calving starting in January and continuing through to late spring.

He said: “This year, Flourish has made a real difference – the growth rates, the condition, even their coats are better.”

From birth, each calf receives 4L of colostrum within the first four hours, followed by another 2L within 12 hours to support early health and immunity.

Newborns are housed in a small calf shed with 10 pens, each holding up to three calves, where they remain for the first 7-10 days.

After this, they move into a larger calf shed with three group pens and an automatic calf feeder. It is here that they are introduced to Flourish Calf, which is fed over a 70-day period as part of a structured feed plan.“The fact that they’re on an auto feeder means I don’t have to mix any of it but, from what I’ve seen elsewhere, it mixes very easily," he said.

"And when it’s going through the calf feeder, I’ve never had an issue with blocked pipes or blocked teats, which just goes to show how consistent Flourish mixes. It’s working flawlessly, to be honest.”

Jerry first heard about Flourish Calf through conversations with other farmers, but it was a visit from Sharon O’Donoghue of Volac Milk Replacers Ireland Ltd that convinced him to give it a go.

“Sharon came out to the farm, took the time to understand how we work, and helped tailor a feed plan to suit our auto feeder,” Jerry explained.

“Her advice made the switch simple. Since then, my calves are thriving — growing well and staying healthy. It’s been a great fit for our system.”

What appealed most to Jerry was the formulation.

“It’s 50% skim-based with strong all-dairy protein – that mattered to me. I want to push calves when they’re young, and I felt Flourish Calf would give them the best nutritional start. It’s done exactly that,” he said.

Flourish Calf delivers 23% all-dairy protein and 19% fat, along with a proven blend of health-boosting ingredients, plus elevated levels of essential vitamins and minerals.

Flourish Calf also benefits from the inclusion of Progres – a unique new ingredient made from the resin of coniferous trees, which helps support the immune system.

Flourish Calf also contains the optimal protein to energy ratio required by the pre-weaned calf. It is formulated to deliver between 48-52g of crude protein per Mcal of ME.Flourish fed at 900g of milk solids per day (6L of milk mixed at the rate of 150g/L) will supply 50g of crude protein per Mcal of ME – typically supporting a daily weight gain of approximately 0.8kg.

“The calves took to Flourish Calf so well,” Jerry said.

“Their growth rates have outperformed what I would have reared in previous years on other powders; the additional weight gain over the 70 days that they were on Flourish Calf has been a huge plus for me this year.”Jerry also credits Flourish Calf with some real improvements this year.

"Plus, whether they’re resting or playing in the straw, their coats have been really shiny — a sure sign they’re in good health and you’re doing things right.

"Flourish has definitely helped improve the calves’ performance, and I’m very happy with the results,” he said.

Jerry adds that while the basics of calf care have not changed, his experience on the farm - where he also does “a small bit of beef” - shows that good nutrition makes a big difference.“Although my calves are spring-born, I know a quality milk replacer like Flourish Calf is just as vital for autumn calves," he said.

Jerry sticks closely to the fundamentals - quality colostrum, clean housing, dry bedding - but says choosing the right milk replacer has truly elevated calf performance.

“Flourish Calf is competitively priced, mixes easily, and has helped me raise some of the best calves I’ve ever had. The quality of the calves when they come off the feeder is the biggest positive for me.”

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve, Feed for Growth is your partner for performance that you can always rely on for successful calf rearing.

For further details, , visit feedforgrowth.com or call 046 9212950