Calf growth needs don’t end at weaning, as a dairy calf’s rumen is only partially developed at this stage. And, a fully developed rumen is critical for the proper digestion and nutrient absorption of the heavy-forage based diet of a dairy cow.
Often producers may notice a growth slump in their dairy calves immediately following weaning – even after a good nutritional foundation. Land O’Lakes Purina Feed offers insights to this challenge and suggests how to best combat this calf development problem:
- Calves are transitioned quickly on to a high proportion of forage, supplemented with little or no grain, but at this stage the calf isn’t ready for a high forage diet.
- The calf’s body can’t digest and absorb adequate nutrients and energy from the amount of forage she can consume, and growth rate suffers.
- Calves from 12-24 weeks of age are still able to more efficiently convert feed to healthy gain.
- Post-weaned calves should maintain a high-protein grain diet up to 10 lbs/day, with plenty of fresh water at all times, with clean hay provided free-choice.
- This program helps extend and enhance the effects of a good, healthy feeding program.