When it comes to raising healthy, fast-growing calves, those early weeks of life are crucial. One approach gaining popularity among farmers and nutritionists is accelerated milk feeding. The results speak for themselves. Feeding calves more milk in their first weeks can really boost daily growth rates and set them up for long-term success.
Defining accelerated feeding
Calves are fed around two percent of their body weight in milk solids per day, or approximately 900 to 1,200 grams of milk solids. So why feed more? Because the first two months of life are when calves grow most efficiently. During this window, the feed cost per unit of body weight gain is at its lowest. That is a win-win for better growth and better economics.
Growth & resilience
Feeding more milk early on is not just about size, it is also about resilience. Calves on a higher plane of nutrition show stronger immune responses. One study shows calves fed more milk were better able to fight off a cryptosporidiosis infection which can cause serious setbacks. Better early nutrition also supports stronger organ development and more robust immune function overall.
Key to success
Here is a general roadmap to implementing an accelerated milk feeding plan:
- Zero to six weeks: Focus on milk as the primary nutrition source. Increase milk solids per day to support fast, healthy growth.
- Six weeks to weaning: When feeding higher milk solids, gradually reduce milk feeding to encourage calves to eat more calf starter. This works to support rumen development.
- Post-weaning: Do not just cut off support. For a smooth transition continue to offer calf milk or high-quality starter feed for another six to eight weeks.
Updating weaning targets: aim higher
You might have heard the old guideline: calves are ready to wean when they’ve been eating one kg of calf meal per day for three days straight.
The latest international review suggests more ambitious targets:
- Small-breed calves should be eating 1.25kg of calf meal daily in the week before weaning.
- Large-breed calves should be hitting 1.5 kg per day.
These targets are shown to correlate with better post-weaning growth rates. The benefits of good early nutrition just keeps paying off.
Bottom line? Feed more at the start, transition gradually, and set your calves up for a healthy, productive future.
