A new born calf will typically weigh between 40 to 50kg. Achieving an early and adequate intake of colostrum (the first milk produced by the calf’s mother following calving) is the single most important management factor in determining calf health and performance. Colostrum is rich in energy and protein but most importantly immunoglobulins (antibodies), which provide the calf with passive immunity. The priority with new born calves is ensuring that they suckle and drink at least 2 litres of colostrum within the first six hours of life, with up to 8 litres within the first 24 hours.

Colostrum is then fed for the next 4 days and at 5 days old calves are then fed either whole milk or milk replacer twice per day with approximately 2-3 litres per feed. Fresh water, hay or straw, and concentrates are also offered from day 5. Weaning is dictated by many factors but the major criterion is usually that when the calf is eating about 1kg of concentrates per day, it can be weaned. This is usually between 6 and 8 weeks of age when it is between 55-65kg.

Following weaning concentrates continue to be offered ad-libitum together with hay or straw and by 12 weeks old the calf is usually weighing between 90 to 110kg

We gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Harper Adams University College in the production of this article.

Further reading for Dairy Cows - Production cycle

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