What are the best practices for calf feeding?

June 6, 2017
News, Technical

The smooth running of the calf unit and its feed is essential for a heifer to become a sustainable and productive dairy cow. For an improved calf diet, Celtilait advises its breeders on several best practices to be implemented from birth to weaning. The table below summarises this advice and the crucial consequences of poor management.

Practice	Principle of application	Consequences if the practice is not applied correctly
Colostrum	2 litres within 4 hours of the calf being born + 2 litres within 12 hours	Low immunity and risk of health problems (diarrhoea, breathing difficulties)
Quantity of powder	Use scales to regularly check the dosing rules: each milk has its own density	If not enough powder: weak growth for the calf If too much powder: risk of diarrhoea
Water temperature	55°C (minimum 45°C) in the mixing container Add +5°C in winter	Risk of indigestion and diarrhoea
Meal temperature	40°C in the bucket (minimum 38°C)	Risk of indigestion and diarrhoea
Meal volume	Follow the feeding programme	If the volume is too large: the milk goes into the rumen and ferments: risk of swelling
Meal times	There must be 12 hours on average between 2 meals to empty the abomasum	Risk of diarrhoea or bloating
Water management (supply for the calf)	Access to water should be prevented during half an hour after the meal	Volume too great in the abomasum: poorly digested milk and risk of swelling
Water + Straw + Dry feed	Provided freely after the end of the first week	If there is no water available, the calf will not eat If there is no dry feed: no rumination and loss of growth in the 2nd month
Water quality	Drinking water	Risk of digestive problems, diarrhoea
Health	Ideally: keep the calf in an individual hutch for 2 to 3 weeks, then in a collective pen Calves of different ages should not be allowed to mix, and keep the calves far from the adults	The operation of the calf's immune system is at least between the 2nd and 5th week: high risk of contamination (bacteria, viruses, parasites)
Nursery ventilation	Draft-free environment Prevent damp heat or cold	Risk of breathing problems
Calf body temperature	On average: between 38.5 and 39.5°C If >39.5°C: fever  antibiotic treatment possible	Beware of the incorrect use of antibiotics – when in doubt, ask your veterinary surgeon for advice
Weaning	Weaning must be done when the animal can successfully cover its energy requirements with dry feed.	If weaned too early: the calf remains fragile and too thin for a period