In the initial six months of their existence, calves are very sensitive to housing conditions and the quality of feeding. But with proper care, they grow quickly and do not get sick, which subsequently leads to high productivity in adulthood. In addition, the efficiency of raising calves during the milking period depends on the correct calculations of the required quantities of various products.
Milk feeding
For the first 10 days, newborns should eat only maternal colostrum.It is quickly absorbed by the young body and provides it with the necessary nutrients. The owner, in case of forced weaning from the cow, will have to feed the newborn on his own. Then you will definitely need fresh colostrum and a special drinking bowl.
After birth, the calf must drink some colostrum. Otherwise, he will lick nearby surfaces, which will lead to the penetration of pathogenic substances into his still fragile body.
If the amount of breast milk is insufficient during the first ten days, it can be replaced with a product of our own production from:
- eggs - 4 pieces;
- fish oil - 15 g;
- milk - 1 l;
- salt - 10 g.
All ingredients are mixed well, then the calf is given 300 ml half an hour before feeding with milk.
The distribution of dairy food (in the first month) is usually carried out according to the following scheme:
- Immediately after birth, the baby is offered colostrum (about 800 g). The number of feedings per day is up to six.
- The second week - only milk (drinking five times a day).
- 15-20 days - vitamins are added to the milk diet, and the gradual introduction of roughage to the menu begins.
Depending on weight, calves are fed 6-10 kg of colostrum per day. The daily milk intake in the first two weeks should be approximately 1/5 of the total weight of the animal. The average duration of feeding calves with milk is approximately 3 months.
Transitional diet
From 10 days of age (between main meals), it is recommended that the baby be offered pre-boiled warm water. It is poured into drinking bowls.
The starting non-dairy food for calves can be regular potatoes (boiled). It is allowed to enter it into the menu at the end of the 2nd week. If it is not possible to constantly prepare such food on your own, it is possible to buy appropriate starter feeds. The latter simplify the process of transferring a calf from milk feeding to hay and grass. Usually they replace one of the milk intakes.
Ready-made feed includes (in crushed form):
- barley - 42%;
- wheat - 12%;
- corn - 15%;
- milk powder - 5%;
- soybean meal – 17%;
- feed yeast - 5%;
- fat, table salt, premixes - 1.5%.
Eating ready-made balanced food quickly establishes normal digestion in calves, reduces the number of problems during the transition to an adult diet. It is recommended to include a little hay (no more than 50 g) in the transitional diet, and increase its amount several times over a couple of weeks. At the 2nd month, animals are already allowed to give silage.
Use of roughage
After 20 days of life, the amount of milk in the diet gradually decreases. First, the replacement is done with ready-made mixed feed (approximately 150 g per day). Then the daily menu includes high-quality concentrates with the following additive:
- vegetable flour;
- fresh grass;
- chopped hay.
After a month, the calves are given the following in their diet:
- roots;
- silage;
- freshly cut grass;
- haylage
The following table will help control the amount of roughage in the first six months.
| 1-2 month | 3-4 month | 5-6 month | |
| Milk, l | 5-7 | 1-2 | — |
| Silage, kg | 0-0,1 | 1-2 | 4-6 |
| Hay, kg | 0,05-0,3 | 1-1,5 | 2,5-3 |
| Compound feed, kg | 0,1-0,8 | 1,5 | 1-0,8 |
| Root vegetables, kg | 0,05-0,3 | 1-1,5 | 1-1,5 |
| Premix, g | 200-600 | 700-900 | 900-1000 |
The recommended quantity of products displays the average value; it can be adjusted if necessary.
Norms for feeding colostrum to weak calves
It is important to ensure that newborns drink colostrum in small sips: then it is better digested. Under no circumstances should calves be fed cold nutrient liquid. It must be heated carefully (in warm water), because if overheated it will coagulate. Also, when feeding cattle, it is prohibited to use colostrum from cows that have had mastitis (or sick ones).
The daily portion of colostrum for a weak calf is 20-24% of live weight. The easiest way to organize feeding calves is if the cow is constantly nearby. In this case, the animals themselves know what and how to do. But if you want to keep more milk for your own needs, then it is recommended to start feeding your baby as early as possible.
