For many years, the common diet for dairy calves on calf milk replacer (CMR) rations was about one pound of powder per day – often fed as two quarts of 20/20 milk replacer solution, twice a day.

But numerous research studies over the last decade or so have shown that replacement heifers fed more closely to their nutrient needs for higher proteins and fats in the liquid-feeding phase become more productive adult animals. Their enhanced tissue development early in life leads to higher fluid milking rates and longer productive lifespans with overall decreased health issues.

Less research has been done to determine the overall health and productivity of calves raised for beef applications. But it would stand to reason that fueling their development more aggressively early in life also will make those animals more productive and efficient later. As more feedlot-bound calves are raised in “dairy-style” rearing programs, this will no doubt become an area of greater research focus.

The dairy industry is growing in my territory in the Northwest, particularly in Idaho, which currently ranks as the nation’s fastest-expanding dairy state. As a result, hundreds of thousands of calves are raised annually in this region, on both dairies and calf ranches.

Best Practices

So how are the most successful calf raisers dialing up the nutrients? Following are the practices that are being most widely embraced:

1. Easing into it

Newborn calves don’t hit the ground ready to consume gallons of liquid feed per day. In approximately their first 7-14 days of life, the organs of many calves are not yet fully functional, and their rumen and internal organ systems are still developing. For this initial window, two quarts of CMR fed twice a day still is usually the standard starter ration. However, protein and fat levels typically are higher and closer to nature.

2. The 2-week bump

Around 14-18 days of life is the typical age at which calf raisers increase the liquid ration volume. Practices to achieve this vary among operations widely, but two common approaches are to feed two quarts three times a day, or three quarts twice a day.

3. Milk solids ranges

Solids content varies by operation but the general range being fed is 11.5-13.5%. Some operations push this to higher levels successfully with close monitoring.

4. Protein/Fat ratios

Heifer raisers seeking optimal tissue and stature growth are feeding high-protein rations of about 24-28% protein commonly, with fat levels a bit lower at 24-20%. Fat levels may be adjusted for pre-conditioning of weather; to aid transition to grain; and various other reasons. In very mild climates, even lower-fat (17%) levels are being used. For animals destined for the feedlot, or bull calf operations, it is common to have reduced proteins and fats to aid in grain transitioning as udder tissue development is not required, and costs can be saved.

5. Free-choice water

Water should be available from the very first day of life. When we are feeding more milk replacer and at a higher solids percentage (13.5-14.5%), free-choice water availability at all times is a MUST! Lack of water will reduce and delay starter intake. The consumption of solid feed is what drives rumen development, and rumen development will determine when the calf can be weaned. In addition, during hot weather, water is essential to help calves mitigate heat stress.

6. Starter grain

A good-quality, palatable starter grain, available with water starting at Day 1 of life, is also critical. The protein level of this grain will vary depending on the operation, cattle breed, climate, and available feed sources. It is common to see liquid feedings reduced transitionally in a step-down method to enhance grain consumption and stimulate growth.

7. Easing back down

The typical weaning age in this region is about 60-80 days of age, with some producers going a bit earlier. Again, most calf raisers will cut the liquid ration amount down transitionally in a step-down method before weaning.

8. Thermometer/refractometer

A thermometer for measuring tank temperature is an important tool not to be overlooked. Refractometers also should be used to measure milk solid levels for consistency and safety. Follow mixing instructions as exactly as can be adhered to, and be sure to take samples from differing areas of the tank, especially the bottom.

Experimentation with accelerated feeding programs has explored feeding milk or CMR at even higher rates than 8 quarts per day, and at protein and fat levels as high as 30/32. However, at such extreme feeding rates, grain consumption will be suppressed, so transitioning is critical with careful operational management to see added benefits.

Calf-raisers today appear to be achieving the best outcomes with: (a) moderate increase in the liquid rations; (b) consistent protein and fat levels, selected for current environmental conditions and desired outcomes; (c) proper CMR mixing that results in consistent, highly digestible batches; and (d) clean, free-choice water and quality starter grain always accompanying the liquid ration.

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