A good start is very important for calves beginning from the first moments of life, so that they can grow into healthy and productive animals with good breeding characteristics.
After birth, calves should be taken to well-prepared individual calf hutches or pens without any delay. The colostrum milked from the dam within the first 2 hours of parturition must be fed to the new born calf using a suitable feeder bottle, taking care that the colostrum is at normal body temperature (38°C).
On the first day of life, total 8 L of milk must be fed, in 3 or 4 meals. Increasing to 6 - 8 L on the 2nd and 3rd days, in 3 or 4 meals. From day 4 till day 60, the calf must get 3 meals of 2 - 2.5 L milk per day. During this period, the daily amount of milk feeding can be calculated as 10 -15% of the calf's body weight.
Beginning from the 4th day, starter feed and clean water must be made available to the calves at all times. After day 60, the amount of milk should be gradually reduced until weaning at day 75.
Correct feeding ensures:
- Fast and healthy development of the rumen;
- Fast growth and high daily weight gains;
- Minimized calf diarrhea cases;
- Improved livability, reduced mortality.
