Appropriate Dairy Calf Feeding from Birth to Weaning: “It’s an Investment for the Future”

Abstract

Dairy calves must be fed appropriately to meet their nutritional needs, supporting optimal growth and development to achieve the recommended target age at first calving (AFC) of 24 months. Traditional restricted milk feeding practices suppress growth, contribute to negative welfare states and may result in malnutrition and immunosuppression. Despite more recent recommendations to increase milk allowances for pre-weaned calves, restricted feeding remains a common practice. This study explored the rationales behind the calf feeding protocols used by dairy farmers in England. Forty qualitative interviews (26 farmers, 14 advisors) were conducted between May 2016 and June 2017, transcribed in full, then coded into themes. Results indicate that a variety of calf feeding regimes are used on farms, largely determined by farmers’ attitudes regarding ease of management and the wellbeing of calves. Advisors were concerned about widespread underfeeding of calves, which may be partially due to insufficiently clear recommendations for calf milk replacer (CMR) feeding rates. There was also evidence of uncertainty regarding best practices for weaning calves. Collaboration between academic research and industry is essential to establish a consensus on calf feeding standards which support physiological function, facilitate weaning, support growth targets and ensure calf health and welfare is protected.

Influence of crushed maize and soybean cake on the growth of crossbred female calves

“…a,b,c Different superscript in a single row indicates a significant difference ; * = Significant at 5% level; NS = Non significant It is revealed from the study that dry matter intake of calves increasing significantly. The obtained results supported by the findings of Palczynski et al (2020) and Sudhakar et al (2002). Palczynski et al (2020) reported that balanced feed supplementation with UMB increased daily dry matter intake and Sudhakar et al (2002) observed significant difference (p>0.01) in average daily dry matter intake in buffaloes fed UMMB supplemented ration.…”

“…The obtained results supported by the findings of Palczynski et al (2020) and Sudhakar et al (2002). Palczynski et al (2020) reported that balanced feed supplementation with UMB increased daily dry matter intake and Sudhakar et al (2002) observed significant difference (p>0.01) in average daily dry matter intake in buffaloes fed UMMB supplemented ration. Prasad and Agarwal (1996) worked with 18 crossbred heifers and CP content of concentrate mixture fed to group T 1 , T 2 and T 3 was 24, 28 and 32% respectively.…”

Factors Affecting the Welfare of Unweaned Dairy Calves Destined for Early Slaughter and Abattoir Animal-Based Indicators Reflecting Their Welfare On-Farm

“…There is evidence of discrimination against male compared to female dairy calves in several areas (6,48,67,71). In particular colostrum and post-colostrum feeding practices differ between males and females in many countries [Canada: (72,73); United States; (71); New Zealand: (48); Ireland: (69) and UK: (74)]. This can be associated with differential rates of failure of passive transfer (FPT) of immunologlobulins between male and female calves (75,76).…”

Strategies for Feeding Unweaned Dairy Beef Cattle to Improve Their Health

“…Finally, and not less important than ensuring adequate colostrum feeding, is the adequacy of the feeding program of those calves before been sold and transported to the rearing farm or auction market. In a recent paper that summarized interviews with dairy farmers in England [ 41 ] it was highlighted that dairy farms often do not feed calves according to the recommended best practice despite the legislation and technical advisory efforts. Surprisingly, despite the huge amount of studies and reviews published in recent years that evaluate different calves’ feeding strategies on performance and health [ 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 ], these authors indicate that advisors were concerned because calves are commonly underfed, probably because there are insufficient clear recommendations.…”