Nutrition programs for lightweight calves

Abstract

As long as beef farms have orphaned calves and late-calving cows and as long as many small beef herds continue year-round calving,large numbers of lightweight calves are likely to be presented to the marketplace. In addition, dairies produce male calves that must be grown for beef production as well as heifers that need to be developed for milking replacements. All require specialized growing programs. With proper planning, nutritional programs for these calves can be designed for drylot- and pasture-based systems. Special considerations include the reduced feed intake that can occur at the time of weaning, which occurs at young ages in these calves, as well as shipping stress and unfamiliarity with manufactured feed. Diets must provide more protein and energy than needed for older and heavier cattle. Feed form, palatability, and avoidance of digestive upset are critical.