Publication - Weaning dairy calves at three weeks and feeding fermented colostrum
Title in English
Weaning dairy calves at three weeks and feeding fermented colostrum
Publication ID
1721E
Published Year
1981
Author(s)
Subject(s)
Type
Guides and Handbooks
Cost
Free Publication
Language
English
Also Available In:
Status
Available
Pages
1-9
ISBN
0-662-11519-8
Summary in English
Calf-feeding programs have changed significantly over the last several decades. The recommended age for weaning calves has been reduced from 8-12 weeks to 5-6 weeks. Recent research on early feeding of young calves indicates that calves can be weaned successfully even earlier. For example, studies at the Charlottetown Research Station show that calves can be weaned when they are only 3 weeks old, and experiments at the Lennoxville Research Station confirm this finding. The publication outlines the recommended feeding and management procedures for weaning dairy calves to dry feed when they are 3 weeks old and provides information on the production and use of fermented colostrum. In this publication, Colostrum refers to the first 3 days milk, true colostrum to liquid from the first milking after parturition, and fermented colostrum to the liquid produced by adding a culture to the colostrum for details see Fermented colostrum-preparation and feeding.
The first 3 months of calf's life are often described as the most critical period. During this time calves are susceptible to several illnesses, such as scours and pneumonia, which may cause up to to 50 percent mortality in some herds. Good management, proper sanitation, and high levels of nutrition should minimize disease and reduce mortality in some herds. Good management, proper sanitation, and a high level of nutrition should minimize disease and reduce mortality, and provide healthy, well-grown calves. Weaning when the calf is 3 weeks old is an alternative feeding program that offers certain benefits. Some producers may want to adopt this program of early weaning. Others may prefer to continue with more conventional calf-rearing systems, which involve longer periods of liquid feeding.
The first 3 months of calf's life are often described as the most critical period. During this time calves are susceptible to several illnesses, such as scours and pneumonia, which may cause up to to 50 percent mortality in some herds. Good management, proper sanitation, and high levels of nutrition should minimize disease and reduce mortality in some herds. Good management, proper sanitation, and a high level of nutrition should minimize disease and reduce mortality, and provide healthy, well-grown calves. Weaning when the calf is 3 weeks old is an alternative feeding program that offers certain benefits. Some producers may want to adopt this program of early weaning. Others may prefer to continue with more conventional calf-rearing systems, which involve longer periods of liquid feeding.