Sprayfo Lifestart

Correct feeding of dairy calves during the pre-weaning phase activates development of the udder cells (parenchyma cells), which in turn are responsible for future milk production.

For beef calves, the aim is to grow your animals as efficiently as possible. Better feeding during this period means that calves reach target weights faster and in better condition. Optimal development of the intestine and other organs means the calves are more efficient for the rest of their lives.

After these 8 weeks, we can no longer activate cells or organs in young ruminants, making this a once in a lifetime opportunity.

0-2 days

The first two days can make or break any calf or young ruminant.

In the first two days in the life of a young animal, make sure that it receives sufficient antibodies from colostrum (a minimum of 100g IgG is the international standard for a calf).

Also, supply enough energy to maintain the calf’s body temperature functions.

3-49 days

After 3 days, calves must be fed sufficient amounts of milk in order to achieve optimum growth and to develop a healthy digestive tract and an active immune system.

This phase is very important to achieve the optimum metabolic development of calves. Solid feed must be introduced gradually to ensure optimum energy intake while stimulating rumen development and fermentation.

Aim for an average daily gain of at least 800 grams.

From day 3-49, the window of opportunity for metabolic programming is wide open. Make sure your calves develop well, because this early stage of life is essential for the development of all organs and will be the fundament for future health and performance.

How milk feeding impacts udder development

In 2005, research by Brown et al showed that because of metabolic programming, the volume of milk replacer given to Holstein dairy calves in the first 8 weeks has a huge effect on udder development.

More recent work confirmed this correlation between feed intake in the first phase of life and udder development. Doubling the milk feed intake resulted in improved total mammary weight, and other organs like the liver grew faster.

Getting your calves off to the best ‘lifestart’ is an investment in the future.