Feeding your dairy calves during the first 3 days of life
In order to enhance reproduction, a heifer needs minerals in sufficient quantities. Calcium is important for physical growth as well as proper muscle functioning. The first 3 days of life are a critical period to achieving these objectives.
Once a calf is born, she can only feed on liquid feed. This is naturally provided by the dam in form of colostrum. True colostrum is produced during the first two and a half days. Failure to provide the calf with colostrum will make her susceptible to diseases.
Colostrum is secreted by the udder of the dam shortly before and after calving. Studies indicate that it contains twice as much dry matter and total solids compared to normal milk. It also contains various hormones and growth factors that are necessary for growth and development of the digestive system.
Calves are born with weak immune systems and are therefore vulnerable to diseases. Since colostrum consists of antibodies that transmits immunity to the body of the young calf, it is a source of the much needed passive form of immunity. A calf’s digestive system is able to absorb the antibodies optimally during the first 6 hours of life. We advise you to provide your calf with the first colostrum within 6 hours after birth. The calf should consume as much colostrum as possible. Majority take upto 2 litres per interval. Over the next two days she should be able to take upto 6 litres per day. This will serve to strengthen the immunity of your calf minimizing cases of diseases such as diarrhoea or scours among others.
Timely feeding of your dairy calf with adequate amounts of clean and high quality colostrum will result in strong immunity. It will ultimately reduce cases of disease and enhance her growth rate.
