Questions - feeding a dairy calf

[RedCricketFarm]

I'm wondering if anyone can point me somewhere on the web with info about raising a dairy calf. Specifically, what to feed a 6 month old Jersey heifer. I've found a ton on how to feed a 3 day old calf, but nothing conclusive on feeding an older growing animal.

If anyone here will share, what brand of feed do you buy, what is it called, and how much do you feed per 100 lbs of weight or per head? Do you also provide pasture when it's available and good quality hay when it's not?

Thanks folks.

[francismilker]

As a rule of thumb, if you're feeding a yearling jersey heifer you'd probably want to keep plenty of good quality hay in front of her as well as free choice water and minerals. Then, find a good quality feed mix that has plenty of protein and fat.

I feed sweet feed that is 12% protein and 4% fat. I give each yearling heifer about 8-10lbs. per day as well as free choice prairie hay. When it's really cold out, I bump their feed amount up slightly to help them maintain heat.

[sassafras manor]

We do not raise dairy heifers but we do raise dairy steers for the locker. Calves at that age receive Cattle Charge from MFA at the rate of 2-3 lbs. per 100 lbs. of weight as well as free choice hay and water. I do not know your location but I still have my calf crop from February on stockpiled pasture. Next month they will be brought up to the barn at will be on hay at that point.

[Chaty]

I think there is a site for cattle its .. www.keepingafamilycow.com I used to go there alot. might try it. or www.backyardherds.com not sure that 1 works or not been a few yr since I have been there. Thats all they talk about most the time.

[sammyd]

we feed good quality hay free choice and a 16% grain ration 4-6 pounds a day. Fresh water, salt/mineral block available all the time.