Calf Starter Feeding Schedule

Start slow with a half of a bottle at each feeding and gradually increase it to two full feedings.

Calf starter feeding schedule. Calf starter should be formulated to include very palatable ingredients and to contain adequate protein minerals and vitamins. It is suggested that calves should be consuming a minimum of 2 lb day of a high quality calf starter before weaning. Each calf should be given 1 1 2 to 2 gallons in the first 24 hours of its life. Calf starter should be fed to calves starting at four days of age.

A less palatable feed might take a calf three days to really start consuming that s 72 hours when a calf s energy and protein reserves are depleting and their immune status is in jeopardy. You won t have to worry about middle of the night feedings or early morning waking. Offer a handful of calf starter feed to begin with along with clean water in a pail or bucket so the calf can get used to the new feed and to avoid waste. Providing 2 quarts per feeding is typical on a twice a day schedule which is the most common.

Your schedule might vary. A palatable calf starter feed. Feeding schedule most calves only need 2 3 bottles a day. A suggested schedule is 2 quarts within 4 hours of birth 2 more quarts within 12 hours of birth and 2 more by 24 hours of birth.

Early feeding of colostrum at 4 to 5 percent of birth weight is necessary because. Calf bottles are usually of a common size. Calf and heifer feeding schedule colostrum either dam s or mixed colostrum from first milking of older cows fed to calves as soon after birth as possible ideally within 30 minutes and certainly within 4 hours protects against disease. Provide a handful of calf starter in a shallow bucket and gradually increase the amount of starter as calves grow.

Change both the feed and the water daily so the calf will be more likely to eat and drink. Sanitize the buckets after each use to avoid bacterial growth in soiled or damp feed. Calves younger than 2 weeks old will only consume a very small amount of water and calf starter feed. Calves ranging in age from 1 day to 12 weeks old have different nutritional needs and calf starter needs are no exception.

Young calves need routine so feed them twice a day at the same times each day. When the calf starts to eat calf starter mixture of grains protein source minerals and vitamins and to drink water the rumen starts to develop. Maintains a calf s energy and protein reserves. Make sure calves have constant access to clean water during.

Drives calves to start and continue eating. Tube feeding is recommended for calves unable to suck a bottle. For optimal calf growth and nutrition feed fresh calf starter and water daily. Calves can be maintained on the starter for 2 to 3 weeks postweaning and then transition to a grower diet offered with long forage.

Bottle calves eat during the day and sleep at night.