Calf – Winter Feeding
Understanding the basic concepts of growth helps improve calf and heifer management. Early postnatal growth is the most efficient time to develop skeletal growth, muscle growth, deposit protein and attain the highest feed efficiency. Mammary development can be enhanced by liquid (milk) feed intake prior to weaning (Brown et al, 2002). Calf raisers are advised to assess and adapt their feeding practices to ensure adequate growth while maximizing economic benefits.
Winter-feeding in cold climatic conditions requires additional attention to ensure… Continue reading
Calf Winter Feeding
Understanding the basic concepts of growth helps improve calf and heifer management. Early postnatal growth is the most efficient time to develop skeletal growth, muscle growth, deposit protein and attain the highest feed efficiency. Mammary development can be enhanced by liquid (milk) feed intake prior to weaning (Brown et al, 2002).
Calf raisers are advised to assess and adapt their feeding practices to ensure adequate growth while maximizing economic benefits.
Winter-feeding in cold climatic conditions requires additional attention to ensure… Continue reading
Calf Post Weaning Environment
Grouping
After weaning, calves should be housed in equal sized / aged groups, ideally one week after milk feeding has ceased. This avoids two major changes in routine at one time. Group calves according to size.
Weaning from a machine feeding system is normally reached earlier (as early as week 5) and should still be tied to starter intake (min 900g for 3 consecutive days).
Environment
The calf’s environment is very important in ensuring its health. Calf housing should provide… Continue reading