Calf starter/feed question

[stifflej]

I am getting a couple Holstein steer bottle calves tomorrow, and have a question about starter grain. I have used Calf starter, at 18% protein, but can get calf manna a little cheaper at 25% protein. Anyone see any issue starting them on Calf manna for the first 2 months instead of regular calf starter?
Or is Calf manna just for use as supplement?

Thanks.

[sammyd]

holy cow, I can't imagine getting calf manna cheaper than anything, it's usually the highest priced stuff for miles.

This gives the recommended feeding for the stuff
looks like it is not for full feed....
http://www.mannapro.com/products/cat...l-information/

[stifflej]

Yea, i also found info saying it wasn't full feed, but a supplement, wonder if I could mix it 50-50 with calf starter just to up the protein value.

[sammyd]

I'd just run the 18% unless they weren't eating it heavy enough and wanted some extra palatability from the stuff in the manna

[VaFarmer]

Calf Mana is a nice supplement, I like it more for working horses than calfs! I'd just stay with the feed, one thing is the babies seem to have a tough time with to much whole corn. Go easy on any feed with a lot of corn, some crushed/cracked goes good.