Knowby Kumaraguru Institution
Knowby
Calf Rearing - feeding to weaning
Weaning is a critical transition period for calves that requires careful timing and consideration. Additionally, it is essential to assess their body condition before weaning to ensure that they are healthy and growing well. Proper management during this transition helps support the calves, continued development and overall well-being.
Weaning is a critical transition period for calves that requires careful timing and consideration. Additionally, it is essential to assess their body condition before weaning to ensure that they are healthy and growing well. Proper management during this transition helps support the calves, continued development and overall well-being.
1
Step 1 of 4
<p>Feed the calf whole milk at 8 to 10% of its birth mass per day for 8 weeks.<br>The quantity of milk fed can be reduced gradually from the fourth week of age, depending upon the desired growth rate.<br></p>

Feed the calf whole milk at 8 to 10% of its birth mass per day for 8 weeks.
The quantity of milk fed can be reduced gradually from the fourth week of age, depending upon the desired growth rate.

2
Step 2 of 4
<p>Weaning can be done when calf started taking 1 kg of concentrate feed. This should be 20% CP.<br></p>

Weaning can be done when calf started taking 1 kg of concentrate feed. This should be 20% CP.

3
Step 3 of 4
<p>Calf starter meal (19% CP; 12,6 MJ/kg DM), good quality hay and water must be available after the first week.<br></p>

Calf starter meal (19% CP; 12,6 MJ/kg DM), good quality hay and water must be available after the first week.

4
Step 4 of 4
<p>Dehorning should be done before one month old.<br></p>

Dehorning should be done before one month old.