Shorter days and a bit of chill at night mean fall is near -- and its cranky cousin, winter, is not far behind.

When the mercury eases down, calves’ nutritional needs go up. So, before those colder days arrive, we need to pre-condition those calves. A diet that kept them growing and healthy through the temperate months soon may barely provide sustenance resources in the depths of winter.

So now is the time to adjust liquid rations to help calves build reserves and transition for a smooth winter. Here are some strategies to facilitate that process:

1. Increase feeding volume

This is the best way to build body reserves by adding milk replacer intake and help calves build condition to tolerate colder weather. Doing so by increasing feeding frequency is preferable (example: adding a third feeding ). In cold weather, calves often are not as thirsty or hungry, so it is helpful to put liquid feed in front of them more frequently. But if labor or other constraints make additional feedings prohibitive, increasing the volume at your current feeding times is another workable option (example: increase from 2 quarts per feeding to 3).

2. Adjust nutrients

Small adjustments in fat and protein content also can help address the needs of changing climate conditions. But don’t get carried away. Adding more fat is helpful, but I recommend increasing the fat content by only 2 to 4 percentage points.  Increasing the fat content higher can lead to reduced starter intakes and more difficulty weaning calves. As more energy is used to maintain body temperature, less is available for growth. If energy is limiting, then less protein is needed for growth. Therefore, one may consider dropping the protein back a few points. For example, if you were feeding a 26:22 milk replacer in the summer, a shift to a 24:24 formulation in the fall would help set calves up for colder conditions and build body reserves while meeting protein demands. I generally advise keeping both fat and protein levels at least 20% or higher. (This recommendation may vary depending on your climate).

3. Proceed gradually

Young calves often do not cope well with abrupt dietary changes, so ease into ration transitions carefully. For example, change the nutrient formulation one week, then increase the volume the next, rather than overwhelming the calves by doing both at the same time. Start early, when the chill is in the air.

4. Water, water, water

Calves need water to keep their rumens developing and functioning. Having fresh, clean water and starter grain available at all times in the winter is challenging, but important. As it promotes rumen function, water also fuels appetite and encourages grain intake. A functioning rumen also generates heat, so promoting rumen development is another way to help calves adapt more easily to cold weather.

5. Deliver colostrum/plasma

Colostrum contains lactose, amino acids and triglycerides, all of which are energy sources that help calves adapt to cold conditions through thermoregulation. In addition, it provides passive transfer of an abundance from the dam’s immune system. Delivering quality colostrum within 12 hours of birth (ideally, the first 4 hours) can help calves help themselves by fueling the metabolic processes that produce and manage body heat. Three days is your window to deliver colostrum post birth. However, plasma given beyond the 3-day window can bathe the gut wall, increase health, and avoid respiratory and barn health issues in winter. The result: improved overall body condition, and fewer costly issues in older calves that did not receive adequate colostrum. Healthy calves gain weight better and faster. [Some research has shown that colostrum delivered beyond day 3 has a similar effect to plasma, but may not be as cost-effective].

6. Bust out the calf coats

Calf jackets will definitely pay for themselves and then some if they are managed well. They must be clean and dry. A dirty calf jacket will serve as an ideal vector to transfer bacteria from one calf to another vulnerable calf. And moisture – whether it’s from a damp calf coat or a dry coat placed on a wet calf – is more detrimental than no jacket at all in many cases. Calves also can sweat under their jackets during warm spells, so I recommend holding back on using calf jackets until cold conditions have set in, several weeks or even months after ration changes. (Adjust to your climate). Starting to use them too early also can suppress calves’ natural thermoregulation, and weaken their ability to cope with more severe weather.

All of these suggestions should be considered within the framework of an individual operation’s unique housing, bedding, ventilation, and labor circumstances. Nutrition also should be customized for the type of calves being raised. Jerseys, for example, have 25% higher nutritional needs in cold weather compared to Holsteins. They have lower body mass and greater external surface area, so they lose heat faster. Your nutritionist and veterinarian can provide helpful advice to make the winter-ready adjustments for your calf operation.

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