Calf starter and weaning: balance milk and solid feed

Why does the milk share matter during weaning?

As starter replaces milk replacer, calves need more total dry matter to maintain the same daily gain because starter supplies less energy per kilogram of dry matter. For example, under NASEM 2021 guidance, a 50 kg Holstein-type calf gaining 0.6 kg a day needs 0.97 kg of dry matter and 217 g of crude protein when liquid feed supplies 80% of dry matter. At a 40% liquid share, the needs rise to 1.16 kg of dry matter and 250 g of crude protein. Plan feeding around these shares, near 80% and near 40%, using the calf’s actual milk and starter intake.

Read the related guide

How do you track calf starter intake?

Weigh the starter offered and the leftovers each day; the difference is what the calf ate. Note this alongside dry matter from milk, and use HerdMobile to track feed consumption. Keep starter fresh and dry, with clean water available from the first days: drinking water helps calves eat starter. Divide dry matter from milk by total dry matter to find the liquid share. For example, a 30 kg Jersey calf gaining 0.4 kg a day needs 0.58 kg of dry matter at an 80% liquid share and 0.72 kg at 40%.

How do you reduce milk before weaning?

Reduce milk gradually as starter intake rises, and weigh calves weekly to check that daily gain holds. For example, a 60 kg Holstein-type calf gaining 0.8 kg a day needs 1.25 kg of dry matter at an 80% liquid share and 1.50 kg at 40%. Starter intake must therefore increase as milk decreases. Date each feeding change, compare groups and use your starter price to calculate cost per calf per day. Gradual changes give the rumen time to develop.