Grober Nutrition

Posts Tagged ‘calf starter’

Principles and Experience

Introduction

Producers have traditionally raised calves in individual pens or hutches. This rearing system has had advantages of individual feeding, observation and reduced risk of cross-contamination. It is however, still labour intensive. Dairy cattle are naturally group-living animals. Group-housed calves can enjoy an early social interaction and learn to understand group behaviour. Research is now proving that well-managed group housed calf rearing systems can provide advantages for both calves and producers.

Automatic feeding systems for group housing

Group housing often requires intensive management. In non-automated group housing individual intake is difficult to monitor. Moreover, sub-clinical or ill calves may be challenging to identify and therefore treat appropriately.

The new generation of automatic feeding systems (like the Förster-Technik model sold through DeLaval, Lely and Westfalia/GEA) can be easily programmed to effectively feed and monitor calves on an individual basis. There is software available to accumulate a significant amount of information and provide detailed data analysis of individual calves and/or the group for high management control with low labour requirements. An example of data collected includes daily milk replacer intake and number of visits to the feeder. Alarms will be triggered when deviations occur. Individual medication, electrolyte/additive administration programs are also available options.

Feeding management

In conventional feeding by pail, calves are fed limited amounts of milk replacer (i.e.) 2-3 litres of milk replacer twice a day, the equivalent of 500-900g of solids. For optimal heifer growth and development calf feeding recommendations have increased to 8-10 liters/day, the equivalent of 1200-1500g of solids, sometimes even more.

The advantages of feeding calves more milk are widely published. Areas studied include calf growth, height, starter consumption, medication use/costs, time management, and the increased output of milk during the first lactation (references available upon request). These published advantages examine the economic impacts of feeding more milk replacer.

Grober Nutrition, based in Cambridge, Ontario is working in partnership with Förster-Technik, a world leader in automatic calf feeding, to establish further on-farm practice and benefits. The concept of smaller meals being offered more frequently could lead to improved digestion and may also aid in the prevention of severe scouring.

Group feeding experience

Grober Nutrition has been evaluating group housing systems for over 20 years and have more recently collated data from CY Heifer Farms (Elba, N.Y.) and the Grober Young Animal Development Centre (GYADC) (Woodstock, Ont.). The trials were set up to examine and quantify the growth, development, medication usage rate and economics of feeding the same amount of milk to group fed calves compared with individually fed calves. The first data set from CY Farms was evaluated based on 582 calves and concluded no significant difference in live weight and growth rate between the two feeding practices. Group fed calves, however, showed a significantly lower medication cost(P<0.05) during the CY Farms trial period compared to individually fed calves. Computer data analysis allowed for earlier detection of illness and labour was reduced by 52%.

The Grober Young Animal Development Centre in Woodstock, Ontario, enables Grober to compare both individual and group housing methods under one roof. This means that nutrition programs, calf-rearing technologies and other calf products can be examined simultaneously under both management systems.

Recent data from the Grober Centre shows that calves in groups exceeded average daily gains compared to individually housed calves starting week 5 and continuing past weaning (see Table 1).

Table 1. Average Daily Gain (ADG) of calves receiving 6L/day of milk replacer as compared between groups and individual pens. (All values reported in kg/day).

blue, red columns with different superscripts are significantly different at p<0.05

While ADG often fluctuates due to environmental and health influences there was no significant difference in average body weight until weaning (week 7). Throughout weaning and post-weaning, calves in group housing achieved a significantly higher average body weight (see Figure 1.

Improved gains may be attributed to the significant increase (P< 0.05) in starter intake from automatic grain feeders prior to weaning for the group fed calves. However, during weaning, calves in individual pens achieved similar calf starter intake compared to group housed calves.

Group Housing & Health

There are perceived health concerns when calves have nose-to-tail contact. Automatic calf feeding machines are a tool for early detection of illness.

Grober Nutrition assessed the cost of medication to evaluate whether group housed calves are more likely to require therapeutic intervention (see Figure 2).

The data illustrates that individual calves suffered significantly more illness early on (i.e. scours).

During week 4, a significant difference in cost was associated with group calves (respiratory illness). Overall, group fed calves showed a significantly lower medication cost compared to individually fed calves. Age, body weight and a higher plane of nutrition may have accounted for more moderate medication use and cost.

Group Housing Considerations

Selecting calves for group housing with automation requires a thrifty calf with a strong suckling reflex. The calf manager should group calves of similar age and body weight. Group housing of calves has many time and labour saving advantages. It provides improved access to space, allowing for more vigorous activity, and with automation, improves feed consistency and number of feeds.

Group housing can facilitate earlier socialization. Moreover, there may be minimization of stress associated with changes in feed and environment post-weaning for calves.

For more details please contact Grober Nutrition at www.grobernutrition.com  or toll free 1-800-265-7863

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Water accounts for 70-75% of young animal’s body weight and yet, is often overlooked as a necessary nutrient. Water is the nutrient required in greatest quantity by young animals.

What does the body need water for?

Basic metabolic functions need daily water intake to replace that which is continuously used or eliminated. I.e.: transporting nutrients (blood volume), excretion of waste products (urine and faeces), digestion of feed, maintenance of osmotic pressure, lubrication of joints and eyes, exchange of CO2 with oxygen in the lungs, regulation of body temperature – especially heat release by the lungs and urine.

Bacteria in the rumen can only survive in a water environment. Most of the water that enters the rumen is from free water intake. Milk or milk replacer do not constitute free water. They bypass the rumen due to the esophageal groove that can be active until 12 weeks of age. The intake of water stimulates dry feed intake (Kertz et al 1984) and promotes greater total feed intake (Thickett et al, 1981), which leads to improved performance and health.

Kertz, A.F. 1984 J.D.S. 67: 2964-2969

During periods of water loss, (e.g. scours or hot, humid weather) or water restriction (ice, dirty water, inadequate supply) reductions in body fluid negatively impacts metabolism and feed intake. Even mild dehydration (1-5% loss of body weight from water loss), with symptoms not visible to the human eye, reduces metabolic efficiency and impairs ability to regulate body heat (ear and leg extremities feel cool to the touch). As dehydration becomes more severe (9-11% of body weight), calves become depressed. When dehydration reaches 12-15% of body weight, calves may die. Calves need water!

How much water does a calf need?

An animal obtains its water from drinking water, water present in its food and metabolic water.
NRC (2001) Water intake during 1st week of life about 1kg/day increasing to over 2.5kg/d during 4th week of life.

Typical water intake for Holstein calves
at 10-26 oC ref Penn State

What effects water intake?

Why Higher Protein?

Capitalize on the rapid early growth potential of young calves. Meet the needs of the rapidly growing bone and muscle for protein. This encourages greater lean tissue deposition without excess fattening.

Why Specific Protein : Fat Ratio?

Provide the correct protein to fat ratio at these higher feeding rates, to better promote muscle and skeletal growth so that increases in stature are attained. The high digestibility of lactose and the requirement for energy by the calf must be balanced for fat and protein.

Why Higher Feeding Rate?

Feeding rate determines energy intake, which sets limits on the growth potential.
Grober VG is fed at a higher concentration (125g/l) than conventional milk replacers to meet growth demands of a healthy feeding program.

Milk Replacer Comparison

*ref: NRC 2001 for 50kg calf.

Calf Growth: What do you want?

• Transition to functioning ruminant
• Rapid growth of frame (skeleton and muscle)
• Optimal fat deposition
• High health status.

Rate of gain should not be the sole means of assessing the efficiency of a nutrition program for milk replacer fed grain veal calves.

Potential Advantages

• Improved health and immune system when calves are gaining at higher levels. (IGF-1 important regulator of cells of the immune system, IGF’s correlated to growth rates- Drackley)
• Improved feed efficiency and returns on feed investment. Feed efficiency is an important measure of how an animal utilizes the nutrients it eats and converts them into products, e.g. muscle, fat, structural growth. Ration, management and environmental factors may affect feed efficiency.

Potential Disadvantages

• Increased investment of money during milk feeding period.
• Attention to management required for success – to avoid digestive upsets, maintain high levels of sanitation, providing adequate, clean water at all times. Starter intake of 900grams per day for 3 consecutive days must be achieved before weaning can occur.

Calf Rearing Objectives

Optimum calf growth is a function of the time necessary to achieve market weight.

In raising Holstein grain veal calves, the largest cost input are calves and feed. By feeding for the highest gains possible in the liquid feeding period, you will get the greatest value for the cost of milk replacer and starter.
The calf’s genetic potential to grow is imprinted at birth. The ability to utilize the nutrients in milk replacer and more so the ability to consume ever increasing amounts of liquid feed is in direct relation to the volume of feed the calf feeder offers the calf.

Underfeeding a calf will not only impact its growth potential but also its health and ability to overcome stress challenges.

A properly designed milk replacer and feeding program should allow you to have gains approaching 500 g/d, given proper health, sanitation and management.

Andre Roy MSc.
Sally Charlton BSc. (Hons)
April 2003

Product Profile

A specifically formulated calf milk replacer for excellence in raising GRAIN VEAL CALVES.

The Need

Young Holstein bull calves require a quality milk replacer to ensure a healthy start. Young calves that have been transported are severally energy deficient and under stress. The best way to counteract these conditions is to provide a dry clean environment and offer a quality milk replacer that will provide the necessary protein and fat to allow the calf to establish itself and the growth pattern to achieve, maximum gain.

The Feeding

In general Holstein bull calves are fed twice a day receiving approximately 2 litres per feeding.

Grober VG 21/19 is designed for maximum growth and early development of muscle tissue of young bull calves and should be offered in concentrations of 125grams per litre of water and upwards of 3 litres per feeding twice a day once the calves are started.

The liquid feeding program should continue until the calves are consuming 900 grams of calf starter per day for 3 consecutive days.

The availability of clean fresh water is critical to dry matter intake and overall calf health and performance.

Economics

The liquid feeding portion of a grain veal program is the most critical and expensive portion of the rearing program. The limited time-scale of grain-veal production and the specific requirements for high daily live weight gain and muscle development requires careful attention to detail.

It is essential that the calves receive maximum nutrient uptake via a high quality milk replacer to maximize rate of gain and growth potential. The cost of a milk replacer, in part is determined by the quality of the ingredients that are used. The quality of the ingredients also reflects on the calf’s ability to utilize the nutrients and convert those nutrients to meat and structural growth while allowing development of the immune system.
Grober VG calf milk replacer is part of a full management program. Please contact Grober Animal Nutrition for more details.
Andre Roy MSc.
Sally Charlton BSc. (Hons)
April 2003

Why High Protein?

Capitalize on the rapid early growth potential of young calves. Meet the needs of the rapidly growing bone and muscle for protein. This encourages greater lean tissue deposition and thus stature without excess fattening.

Why Specific Protein:Fat Ratio?

Provide the correct protein to fat ratio at these higher feeding rates, to better promote muscle and skeletal growth so that increases in stature are attained. The high digestibility of lactose and the requirement for energy by the calf must be balanced for fat and protein.

Why Higher Feeding Rate?

Feeding rate determines energy intake, which sets limits on the growth potential.
Grober Excel is fed at a higher concentration (150g/l) and higher rate (14% BW) than conventional milk replacers to meet growth demands of the enhanced feeding program.

Milk Replacer Comparison

Calf Growth: What do you want?

Rapid growth of frame (skeleton and muscle): Optimal fat deposition: Transition to functioning ruminant.

Differences in ADG to 90kg may not be large between the conventional and enhanced systems but the type of growth, i.e. enhanced lean tissue deposition and thus stature and the degree of body fatness will be lower with the enhanced feeding system. Rate of gain should not be the sole means of assessing the efficacy of a nutrition program for milk replacer fed dairy calves.

Potential Advantages

• Decreased time to breeding size and first calving – in most production systems, decreasing the age to first calving is the most economical practice to decrease replacement heifer costs. For every month increase in average first calving age an extra 2-3 heifers are needed per 100 cows.
• Increased efficiency of body size gain – cost of rearing a heifer increases as age at first calving increases. A heifer has a lower daily gain and makes less efficient use of feed because a larger proportion of her feed is needed for maintenance.
• Improved health and immune system when calves are gaining at higher levels. (IGF-1 important regulator of cells of the immune system, IGF’s correlated to growth rates- Drackley)
• Enhanced milk production ability – inadequate size at first parturition may limit milk production and conception rate during first lactation. (Hoffman et al, 1996) Increase in bodyweight at first calving from 400kg to 570-590kg gave an increase of 825litres over 305-day lactation (2.7 litres/day). (Keown, 1986)

Potential Disadvantages

• Increased investment of money during the milk feeding period.
• Increased fecal looseness of calves – fecal appearance tends to be less solid due to lower fibre intake from calf starter.
• Delayed rumen development and weaning – calves that are healthy, have good appetites and are growing, consume enough starter dry feed, to allow rumen development to continue after weaning, in support of that growth. High quality and high protein starter feed is paramount in maintaining the early growth advantage provided by this system.
  Intensity of management required for success – to avoid digestive upsets, maintain high levels of sanitation, providing adequate, clean water at all times. Starter intake of 900grams per day for 3 consecutive days must be achieved before weaning can occur.

Heifer Rearing Objectives?

Optimum heifer growth is a function of the time necessary to achieve first parturition with the correct bodyweight, height, age and development such that the animal may express its full lactation potential. This should be achieved in the most profitable way for given targets. In raising heifers, the largest cost inputs are feed and days of growth needed to achieve productive status. Maximizing the potential production and minimizing days to first calving can help in the overall herd economics.

Too high a growth rate in the period from 3-15 months can have a detrimental effect on mammary gland development and thus future milk production potential. Feeding for higher gains in the early calf phase could offset excessive gains (>900g/d) in the heifer rearing stage, reducing the risk for impaired mammary development.

Research has shown that first calving at 22.5-23.5 months is most economical, provided that the animals are of adequate size!

Andre Roy MSc.
Sally Charlton BSc. (Hons)
 April 2003

Numerous studies, back as far as 1968, have examined the effects of feeding increased rates of milk or milk replacer to young calves. Recent developments in this area of heifer rearing have led to enhanced feeding programs.

Conventional calf feeding offers milk replacer, of 18-22% protein and 15-22% fat, at approximately 500g/d. This can support approx. 400g/d live-weight gain (LWG). For dairy replacement heifers of high genetic potential, this is not sufficient to meet optimum growth potential. Recent studies have explored the responses to feeding a higher level of milk replacer (energy intake) with a change in milk replacer composition (protein concentration and energy source). While energy intake is the main driver of bodyweight gain, protein intake can influence both BWG and its composition.

The strategy of lower intakes has typically been a management decision, not necessarily geared to growth potential. The new ‘enhanced’ growth program supports higher rates of feeding that are closer to ad lib feeding systems and thus could be more ‘biologically normal growth’. This growth is aimed at skeleton and muscle, resulting in tall heifers compared to fat heifers.

Increasing the feeding rate of a milk replacer with adequate protein has pronounced effects on growth rate and feed efficiency.

Barlett et al, Univ. of Illinois J.Dairy Sci. Vol.85, suppl. 1

Using a 4,565 Mcal/kg milk replacer of 25% CP/ 17%fat with no calf starter for 5 week period

Tikofsky et al., 2001- Body composition can be altered by the source of energy. High lactose/low fat concentrations in milk replacer favours lower fat deposition.

Hill et al (2001) Substitution rate of milk replacer for dry starter feed is lower for high protein/low fat/high lactose milk replacers compared with conventional milk replacers.

Cornell researchers concluded that, with higher protein levels, a minimum 15% fat could be adequate to maintain lean growth. However, allowances must be made for cold environment conditions. Too low a fat level reduces the stimulatory effect of fat on pancreatic enzyme secretion, so that protein digestion may be impaired.

NRC 2001 – major change is to provide the foundation to think of calves as we have of older animals, in that nutrient requirements are not static but depend on desired rate of gain, body size and environment. The new NRC considers the approach that calf nutrition is dynamic, just as for older cattle. In other words, the product-orientated ‘one size fits all’ mentality of calf raising, (i.e. a single milk replacer formulation or feeding regime is assumed adequate for all calves) gives way to calculating requirements for growth and health and then designing diets to meet those requirements.

Drackley (2001) 26% CP milk replacer maximized growth rate with minimal fat deposition. Research showed that whilst energy intake is the main driver of BWG, protein intake could influence both BWG and the composition of BWG. Drackley, (2000) identified three possible long-term effects of calf growth and development: milk production potential, metabolic imprinting and health and immune status.

Whole milk (Holstein) contains 29-30% fat and 25-26% protein on a dry solids basis.

Diaz et al. (2001) -Using a 30% CP milk replacer showed, that as feeding level increased from 14 to 26 g milk replacer DM/kg bodyweight/day, bodyweight gain and fat content of gain increased but with no reduction in protein content of BW.

With the enhanced feeding program, the milk replacer is designed to meet the correct nutrient balance for high growth rates and intakes in heifers, resulting in taller and well-proportioned heifers that can enter the milk herd earlier and have a higher milk production potential.
Foldager et al, 1997, 48th EAAP Annual Meeting.

Calf Milk Intake and Lactation Yield (Post weaning growth: 0.55 to 0.65kg/d to calving)

The concept is to feed heifers to attain a pre-selected or target weight at a given age to achieve optimum first lactation performance while controlling the costs of rearing replacements. Gaining benefit from enhanced early nutrition requires integration with the entire heifer-rearing program.

Andre Roy MSc.
Sally Charlton BSc. (Hons)
April 2003

Product Profile

A specifically formulated high protein milk replacer for excellence in raising heifer calves.

The Need

Intensive feeding programs have been a major topic for discussion and presentation over the last year. Their aim has been to maximize genetic growth potential, get heifers to breeding weight sooner and also maximize lean tissue growth (height and weight).

A young animal can not be limit fed protein and energy and be successful or efficient in depositing protein as lean tissue growth. During the first two months, calves have the greatest opportunity to maximize rapid early growth. Protein in the diet can be utilized very efficiently at this age. The higher the percentage of protein of the diet (maximum 28%), the better the increase in average daily gain; with a priority on lean muscle tissue deposition over fat. The correct balance of metabolizable energy must also be provided for maintenance and daily gain. Feeding more total nutrients on a conventional program can achieve higher rates of gain, improve health and immune status.

The Feeding

Conventional milk replacer and whole milk heifer calf feeding programs revolved around two times per day feeding and half-gallon or 2 litres per feeding.

Intensive or accelerated feeding programs revolve around feeding more total solids more often. These programs will work on a twice-daily cycle although calves fed more often (i.e.) on automatic feeders or those fed 3 to 4 times per day tend to have a better response. In reality this type of feeding program is more similar to that of the calf nursing on the cow.

If the total volume of milk or milk replacer is limited, a calf will tend to consume calf starter earlier. However, this reduces the calf’s ability to utilize the milk protein portion of the diet and sacrifices growth potential. By extending the liquid feeding period to 7-8 weeks, we can achieve higher gains prior to weaning and a continued benefit post weaning. The ability of the calf or the desire by calves to consume dry feed (starter) is in direct proportion to the volume of liquid feed being offered. To help prevent the weaning stall out, reduce the volume of liquid being fed to achieve a starter intake of 700 to 1000 grams per calf per day, for 3 consecutive days prior to weaning. The calf starter ration, to compliment an intensive calf management program, needs to be highly palatable and of excellent quality. When a high protein milk replacer is being fed (i.e. 26%min.) the calf starter should be at least 22% protein to maintain optimal growth.

As always the availability of clean fresh water is critical to dry matter intake and overall calf health and performance.

Economics

Although the initial cost of an intensive feeding program is higher than the conventional feeding program, it is important to determine the goals of the calf raiser and the finished economics. The true measure of an enhanced feeding program has to be measured in terms of breeding weight & height, calving age, improved milk production and overall animal development.

Grober Excel calf milk replacer is part of a full management program. Please contact Grober Animal Nutrition for more details.

Andre Roy MSc.
Sally Charlton BSc. (Hons)
April 2003

Calves reared for veal are usually transported from the dairy farm to the rearing unit during the first 2 weeks of life. The vigour of calves after arrival at the rearing unit is dependent on:

• Their vitality before leaving the dairy farm (colostrum quality and quantity, timing and hygiene)
• Duration and nature of the transfer (climatic stresses, deprivation of milk and water, handling, noise)
• Changes in environmental conditions (mixing calves, high infection risk, change in housing system, climate, feeding level and composition etc.)

Calves are especially vulnerable to infections and diseases. All the above factors may reduce the calf’s ability to fight new disease challenges.

The period of 2 to 3 weeks after arrival at the rearing unit is considered the most critical phase in veal production. The priority during this period is not only to optimize growth but more importantly to control and minimize the occurrence of health disorders.  (J.Schrama et al, J.Dairy Sci.1992)
 
After arrival at the veal unit, the appetite of these calves may be low. The importance of feeding a high energy, quality milk replacer is paramount in maintaining the calf’s thermoneutrality and optimizing growth and the immune system. These young calves tend not to be in a steady state of energy metabolism. If low levels of feed are offered and the calf’s energy requirement for maintenance is not met, then the calf will be partially dependent upon the mobilization of body energy reserves to meet energy requirements. This will reflect in low or negative growth rates. (Postema 1985)

Heat production is an important criteria in calf survival at this young age. Heat production decreases with time during this 2-week period and is affected by feeding level and ambient temperature. i.e. At low feeding levels, animals are less cold tolerant. (Schrama, 1993)

Nutrition

Restricted feeding can impair the immune system. (Kelly, 1980)
Calves fed a higher amount of milk replacer (600g vs 400g/d) and ad-libitum access to calf starter had the greatest gains and the least mortality. (Williams et al, 1981)
Low level of nutrition results in impaired immune response in young calves. Griebel et al, 1987; Pollock et al. 1993,1994.

Stress can affect the apparent digestibility of energy and thus utilization of feed ME. (Schrama, 1993).
If feed is restricted, digested dietary protein is used as an energy source. (Mcdonald et al, 1981) This will negatively affect protein gains and will increase the production of urea and energy loss via urine. This is not an efficient use of feed supplied.

Conclusion

Energy shortage (by low feeding levels or inappropriate ration) in newly purchased calves is undesirable since it may be a predisposing factor for health disorders.

Newly purchased calves should be fed an adequate level of a high quality balanced milk replacer to overcome stress challenges and provide for optimum growth.

Andre Roy MSc.
Sally Charlton BSc. (Hons)
 April 2003

The calf starter ration, to compliment grain veal program, needs to be highly palatable and of excellent quality. When a high protein milk replacer (21%) is being fed, the calf starter should be at least 18-20% protein to maintain optimal growth.

It is critical that protein needs must be met to help maintain early growth rate advantage.

In raising calves, the major goals of feeding before weaning are to:

• Feed for optimum health and strong immunity
• Have good skeletal development
• Encourage the intake of starter
• Develop rumen activity
• Prepare the calf for weaning

Restricted feeding can impair the immune system. (Kelly, 1980)

To help prevent the weaning stall out, reduce the volume of liquid being fed to achieve a starter intake of 900 grams per calf per day, for 3 consecutive days prior to weaning.

A calf should not be weaned until its rumen is functional and capable of supporting all of its nutritional needs. Normal and early development of the rumen requires:

• 1. Bacteria

• 2. Liquid in the rumen

• 3. Absorptive ability of rumen wall tissue

Bacteria

Bacteria begin to grow in the rumen as soon as the calf begins to eat. The types of bacteria that develop are dependent on the type of feed that the calf eats. Milk supports aerobic bacteria development, while dry feed supports anaerobic bacteria. It is anaerobic bacteria that are necessary for proper rumen development and function.

Liquid in the Rumen

Bacteria in the rumen can only survive in a water environment. Most of the water that enters the rumen is from free water intake. Milk or milk replacer does not constitute free water. They bypass the rumen due to the esophageal groove that is active until 12 weeks of age. The intake of water stimulates dry feed intake, thus the availability of clean fresh water is critical to dry matter intake and overall calf health and performance. Typically, a 180kg calf consumes 10-30 litres of water daily depending on temperature, humidity and dry matter of the diet.

Effect of free choice water on calf performance

Kertz, A.F. 1984 J.D.S. 67: 2964-2969

Absorptive Ability of Rumen Wall Tissue

The absorption of end products of fermentation is a very important part of rumen development.

The energy requirements of the newborn calf are met from absorption of glucose from the abomasum.

There is little or no absorption or metabolism of volatile fatty acids (VFA) in neonatal calves.

The rumen must develop this ability prior to weaning. The rumen consists of two layers, the epithelial layer and the muscular layer.

The muscle layer is responsible for rumen contractions and gives support to the epithelial layer.

The epithelial layer of the rumen wall is the absorptive layer. End products (VFA) of ruminal fermentation, particularly propionate and butyrate, provide the stimulus needed for epithelial development.

Calves denied access to dry feed will not develop a functional rumen.

It is grain intake rather than hay/straw intake that is important to ensure rapid rumen development and a smooth transition at weaning time.

Calf time line and rumen development

*Primary organ, ** Primary nutrient weaning

General Guidelines

• A good quality palatable starter (min 18% protein) should be offered from day 5.
• Feed to appetite, with frequent fresh ‘top ups’, is preferable to ad lib feeding.
• Calves prefer to have calf starter in a shallow bowl, one in which they can scrape their tongues under the grain. They consume more starter when they are able to reach the bottom of the container. Deep containers are less attractive to calves as accumulated feed becomes spoiled with saliva and calves find it physically more challenging to get at the feed.
• All buckets and containers should be emptied and cleaned daily.
• Calves should not be weaned until they are eating 900 grams of starter per day for 3 consecutive days.
• Calf starter with considerable molasses may freeze in winter into frozen lumps and may clump in the hot humid summer months.
• Calf starter with excessive molasses may attract flies in the summer.
• Pelleted calf starter may crumble. Fines from old pelleted calf starter are especially unpalatable for calves. Pelleted calf starters are excellent feeds, but it becomes very important for daily replenishment.
• Ensure adequate fresh, clean water is available.

Andre Roy MSc.
Sally Charlton BSc. (Hons)
April 2003