Feeding Methods and Management Points for Calves After Weaning
Some calves show lower daily weight gain after weaning, along with symptoms such as weight loss, messy hair coat and lack of gloss; these are all caused by weaning stress. So how should calves be fed after weaning? Let's take a look together.
1. Strengthen feeding
After weaning, continue to feed the calves the roughage and concentrate they received before weaning, and as they grow older, gradually increase the amount of concentrate fed. At 3-4 months of age, the concentrate should be increased to 1.5-2 kg per day, and high-quality hay should be provided for free access. Before 4 months of age, feed as little green fodder as possible or none at all; after 4 months of age, you can switch to growing cattle concentrate. When calves show a weaning stress response, there is no need to worry; as they gradually adapt to plant-based feed, their intake will increase and they will soon recover.
2. Reasonable grouping and merging
Calves that were raised in individual pens before weaning need to be grouped together, while those previously kept mixed should be separated into groups; reasonable grouping is of great benefit to feeding management. The principle for grouping and merging is generally to place calves of similar age and weight together, with each group preferably kept at 10-15 head.
3. Ensure feed quality and environmental hygiene
After grouping, use a free-range raising method; generally it is only necessary to provide sufficient drinking water and feed. The feed must be guaranteed fresh and hygienic, and moldy or rotten feed must be avoided, allowing the calves to eat and drink freely. While ensuring feed quality, the hygiene of the barn environment must also be ensured, with timely cleaning every day and regular disinfection to reduce the possibility of disease.
4. Ensure sufficient exercise
Whether adult cattle or newly weaned calves, in addition to ensuring sufficient feed, a certain amount of exercise is also needed, generally no less than 2 hours per day, avoiding the midday high-temperature period and rainy days as much as possible; this is beneficial to calf bone development and calcium absorption.
The above is an introduction to how calves should be fed after weaning. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.