What are the key points for calf feeding and management?
1. Feed colostrum early. Colostrum contains higher levels of protein, fat, vitamins and other nutrients than regular milk, and it also contains large amounts of immunoglobulins and lysozyme, which can kill and inhibit pathogens. Therefore, calves should be given colostrum as early as possible. Since calves have the strongest absorption of immunoglobulins from colostrum 4-6 hours after birth, feed colostrum about 1 hour after birth, then feed a second time at 6-9 hours, with a feeding amount of 2 kg. After that, gradually increase it, continuing for 5-7 days, with the feeding amount not exceeding 5% of body weight.
2. Feed regular milk. After 5-7 days, calves should be moved to the calf barn and fed regular milk, 3 times a day, with the temperature kept at 35-38 degrees C.
3. Supplement with concentrate feed in a timely manner. Starting 1 week after birth, calves should be trained to eat concentrate feed to supplement nutrition and promote gastrointestinal development. For the first few days, feed 10-20 grams of concentrate per day, then gradually increase it to 80-100 grams. At 30 days of age, feed 200-300 grams per day, and at 60 days of age increase it to 600-1000 grams.
4. Feed high-quality roughage. To promote early development of the stomach and intestines, feed roughage before digestive tract function is fully developed. One week after birth, a small amount of high-quality green hay can be placed in the feed trough for free feeding. After 2 weeks, place a small amount of chopped carrots, pumpkin and other green, succulent feed in the trough for them to eat, and after 60 days this can be increased to more than 2 kg. At 20-30 days after birth, a small amount of silage can be sprinkled in the trough. Then gradually increase it: after 2 months, feed 100-150 grams per day; at 3 months, feed 1.5-2 kg; from 4-6 months of age, increase it to 4-5 kg.
5. Give calves good water. Before 15 days of age, the drinking water for calves should be disinfected water, and make sure the water temperature is the same as the milk temperature. After 15 days, switch to clean warm water, and after 30 days switch to tap water, but note that ice water and unsanitary water must not be fed.
6. Early weaning. Healthy, well-developed calves can be weaned early at 60 days of age. The specific method is: about half a month before weaning, begin increasing concentrate and roughage and reducing the amount of milk fed. Change the number of milk feedings per day from 3 times to 2 times, and near weaning change it from 2 times to 1 time, then stop feeding milk. You can also use the method of mixing water into the milk, gradually reducing the amount of milk, and finally switching to supplying only water. It is generally considered that the amount of concentrate feed at weaning is about 1 kg per day. At 3 months of age, increase the concentrate to 1.5-2 kg, and during this period a large amount of roughage can be supplied. Before 2 months of age, let them feed freely on high-quality roughage, with about 1.7 kg of roughage per day as appropriate; after 2 months, ordinary roughage can be fed, controlled at 2 kg per day.