Feeding bottle babies.....

Oakshire_Farm · #1 04/07/12, 07:12 PM

I know everyone has a different way of doing things but I just want to know when people start introducing "solids" to calves. These are holstein and jersey bull calves.

For us, what we are trying with this years calves, is what most of the local dairy farms do. Calves get their ration of milk 2 x/day with water offered after a week old. At a month old introduce hay and grains. Start cutting back milk at 3 months, weaned off milk by 4 months, then onto pasture.

In previous years we have offered grain and hay as soon as they will eat it, but the local dairys are saying that it helps develop the rumin to hold back solids for the first month.

What works for everyone else?

Copperhead · #2 04/07/12, 08:46 PM

We introduce grain around week 3. By either week 5 or 6, the bottle is offered only in the evening. As long as the calf is eating the grain well, the bottle is discontinued 1 week later. When the bottle is discontinued, quality 2nd cutting hay becomes always available. I've always read that grain helps develop the rumen, while hay will slow development.

Hespa · #3 04/08/12, 07:02 AM

We are a dairy farm and have holsteins. Our calves are on milk until they are six weeks old. They have a calf starter and water in front of them from the start. However, the rumen is not developed enough to handle hay. When they are six weeks old, we cut the amount of milk at each feeding in half and give them hay. After they have had half the amount of milk for several days, we then discontinue the milk. Then they continue to receive calf feed, hay and water.

springvalley · #4 04/08/12, 08:42 AM

We always allow grass hay as soon as they start to nibble on it, NATURE, if they were out on pasture they would be eating grass. We start some grain at about week three, and never feed much. I feed milk as long as I want, or as long as I have extra milk. I have fed as long as six months, a bit long, but the calves are so much bigger than pulled off the bottle at three months or younger. I have farmed all my life and this works for us, so do what works for you. > Thanks and God Bless, < Marc

myersfarm · #5 04/08/12, 11:38 AM

I guess I break all the rules I feed hay and grain first day...... Springvally yes NATURE i seen 3 day old calfs with a grass straw sticking out of mouth and manure will be black just like moms...something has to be right....I also give them salt and all the water they will drink also day one ...plus I give a liquid feed called Mix 30...the more they eat beside milk the less chance of scours

InvalidID · #6 04/08/12, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by myersfarm

I guess I break all the rules I feed hay and grain first day...... Springvally yes NATURE i seen 3 day old calfs with a grass straw sticking out of mouth and manure will be black just like moms...something has to be right....I also give them salt and all the water they will drink also day one ...plus I give a liquid feed called Mix 30...the more they eat beside milk the less chance of scours

I do the same thing. I have grass, hay, water, and a little grain in front of them from day 1. They can take what they want and leave the rest. I figure I can't give them a mother to suckle, but I'll simulate nature as best I can.

My current batch is about 6 weeks old and eating almost all grass now. Though I did lose a Kiwi Cross to tetany the other day. Little fella just wouldn't touch the blocks I had out for them....

ozark_jewels · #7 04/13/12, 04:39 PM

Water, hay and grain in front of bottle calves as soon as they are pulled off their dams(two-three days). By a week they are trying out everything.