Modern standards of calf feeding: how to increase survival and productivity

Experts stress that providing calves with sufficient energy in the first 50 days of life has both short-term and long-term implications for their survival and productivity. This time is critical becauseCalves are exposed to high levels of stress and disease, and supporting them with quality dairy feed can reduce the risk of disease before weaning. High energy intake promotes vigorous growth and gastrointestinal development, which is critical for building their resistance to disease.

it is important to properly optimize the nutrient intake and quality of MILK feed in the first weeks of life. Increasing the volume and energy content of milk replacer is a strategic move that provides long-term benefits in terms of fertility and heifer survival. Maintaining natural feeding behavior of calves from birth minimizes stress and promotes faster and more successful recovery from illness.

In addition, the composition of milk replacers is critical, as high lactose and low fat content can negatively impact calf HEALTH . Modern nutrition approaches increasingly focus on nutritional balance, which avoids medical interventions and improves intestinal development. Creating effective feeding strategies aimed at maximizing energy intake is the cornerstone of successful calf rearing, ensuring a smooth transition from milk to starter feeding.