Delivering a Consistent Diet is Key

Words by Karen Fraser

Raising healthy calves requires good nutrition, consistency, accuracy, and hygiene to maintain high immunity and promote growth. High-quality calf milk replacers (CMR) are essential substitutes for whole milk, providing balanced nutrients necessary for early development. 

CMR ensures uniform nutrition, reduces disease risk, and is easier to store and handle compared to fresh transition milk. When feeding to support higher growth rates, it’s important to make sure the product delivers enough protein to support muscle and frame development. Additionally, CMR can deliver vital trace elements, vitamins, minerals and coccidiostats to enhance growth and immune function. Introducing calf feed early is crucial for rumen development and a smooth transition to a forage diet. Starting in the first week of life helps to start forming habits of nibbling solid feed. 

Ideal calf hard feed contains 18-20% crude protein, high energy from grains, not too much fat, and essential vitamins, minerals, and a coccidiostat. The cumulative intake of fermentable carbohydrates – mainly starch and sugar – is more highly correlated to rumen development than just total dry matter intake, especially if you are feeding higher rates of milk to support higher growth rates, a low starch starter is a false economy. Always provide fresh water to aid digestion and hydration. Maintaining a regular feeding schedule is vital for consistent growth rates and preventing digestive issues. Ensure feeding equipment is clean to avoid disease. Gradually reduce milk replacer as calves consume more solid feed, typically start slowly weaning off milk after 6-8 weeks, depending on calf breed, type, and performance.  

Farmlands has a technical team behind all our Reliance and NRM feed and additive options ready to support you this spring.