There has been a lot written about how feeding more milk replacer will improve the immune system and health of baby calves. Several laboratories have compared feeding calves conventional milk replacers at approximately 1 pound of solids daily to higher levels of nutrition. Higher levels of nutrition were frequently milk replacers that are approximately 28 percent protein fed at approximately 2 pounds of solids daily.

Everything in calf nutrition is debated these days. How much milk or milk replacer should be fed? Is pasteurized milk better than milk replacer? When is the best time to wean calves? Should starters be textured or pelleted? What approved drug should be included, if any? Should hay be fed?

A recent USDA survey reported that few custom calf raisers feed calves the large amounts of milk or milk replacer common with intensive feeding programs. Most custom calf raisers are feeding approximately one gallon per calf daily. Many want to know: Why?

Like any newborn, calves need to be nurtured early so they can thrive and compete later in life. Her digestive system at birth is designed for milk. She is frequently challenged with digestive sicknesses in her first two weeks of life – followed by respiratory sicknesses in her second and third month of life. Frequently, she is raised in naturally ventilated, unheated or uncooled housing. Often, she is moved from individual housing to large groups of 20 to 100 calves soon after weaning and she needs to be able to compete. Between birth and weaning she must transform her digestive system and nutrient metabolism almost 180 degrees to use dry feeds. This includes developing a functional rumen.

Heat abatement strategies during hot weather include water, fans, shade and elevation of hutches.

Dairy calf feeds are normally low in functional fatty acids (butyric acid, medium-chain fatty acids, and linolenic acid – see Table 1) known to influence metabolism and immunity – and calves respond to their supplementation. Additionally, calf feeds are normally high in linoleic acid and, if it is increased in the diet, calf performance is often decreased.

There are probably as many ways to raise dairy replacements as there are people raising dairy replacements. Most of these methods are successful; however, everyone knows that some are more successful than others. At the most recent ADSA meetings in Denver last summer, we presented an evaluation of data we have collected to determine what impacts growth of neonatal calves through eight weeks old.

There are probably as many ways to raise dairy replacements as there are people raising dairy replacements. Most of these methods are successful; however, everyone knows that some are more successful than others. At the most recent ADSA meetings in Denver last summer, we presented an evaluation of data we have collected to determine what impacts growth of neonatal calves through eight weeks old.