How much milk for a week old Holstein?

[Genevieve M.]

We bottle fed my Jerseys heifer, but she is weaned now. I'm thinking of getting a week old Holstein bull calf from a local dairy man.

My Jersey is not yet bred back, but she is still giving over 6 gallons of milk a day and I have 2 Nubians in milk, as well as 3 more due soon. I've been feeding milk to 3 pigs, but one is ready for the butcher.

I'm wondering if I have enough milk to feed two Holstein calves. How much milk should I feed at first, and for how long?

Thanks for your help.

[francismilker]

Absolutely you have enough milk! I'd start the Holstein calf out on 2 qts, twice daily and watch for signs of scours or loose stools and then gradually (very gradually) work it up to three qts. twice daily if the calf can handle it. Otherwise, when the calf is eating hay free choice, about 4lbs feed, water and mineral free choice you can wein the calf and get another.
I might also recommend you reading the "sticky" thread at the top of the cattle page called "sale barn bottle calves". It has a lot of good info.

Topside, feel free to jump in on advice about the goat's milk. I've not idea what to give here!

[topside1]

Francis is right 2 qts each feeding twice a day...If it was me I'd start off with 3 pints per feeding and in a few days be up to 4 pints each like Francis has already mentioned. Find out what the farmer was feeding. If he was feeding MR or cows milk? Feed either goats or cows milk in the same amounts. If I were you I'd feed cows milk because you will be needing 2 gallons per day to feed out two bull calves. Most Nubians won't consistantly give 1 gallon each per day. My Nubians will but only for a short time...I feel like I'm not making sense, but I think you know what I mean. Cows milk 3 pints increased to 4 pints in 2-3 days...One last thing, if the Holsteins are small framed (unlikely) like the Jersey you raised then just feed 3 pints twice daily for a couple of weeks and then slowly increase to 4 pints....Enjoy your new bovines...Topside

[Genevieve M.]

Thanks. I decided to just get one. A neighbor is going to get the other one, and I'll trade him the milk to feed it for hay.

If I have plenty of milk, at what age do you suggest I wean him, and at what age should introduce calf starter?

I set up a pen for him in sight of the milk cows. If he still seems lonely, I can put a goat with him for companionship.

Are there any more hints for easing the transition?

[Chixarecute]

We used to wean at about 6 weeks, some do it as young as 4 weeks. Offer fresh water, a bit of hay, and a little starter by one week of age. They'll play with it at first, and gradually begin sampling. They should be consuming regularly by three weeks.

[topside1]

Give him milk as long as you want, don't bother weaning until you are low on milk.