Calf weaning is that stage where the mother’s milk is withdrawn and the calf can now fully rely on fodders and concentrates.
Good quality hay should be gradually increased to provide energy and fibre. This promotes healthy rumen function, grows the rumen in volume and prevents acidosis.
A grain-based calf-rearer diet with adequate protein levels should also continue. This should be supplemented with mineral salts such as Vital Ndama. Ideally, calves should remain in individual pens for a further 7-14 days post-weaning. This helps to monitor performance and ensure weaning stress does not compromise health and development.
Following successful weaning, calves can be re-housed into small groups of similar size (body weight) heifers. Groups of 6-10 calves are ideal, but it is important that calves have sufficient room to lie down and eat without any risk of bullying or stresses associated with social interaction.
Why feeding with concentrates should continue
Intakes of concentrate/pelleted fodder should continue to be monitored and individual calves checked daily for health and intake. Calves should remain on a good quality calf starter, containing grain along with good quality hay or forage until at least 4 months of age. Read Also: How to manage young calves
Following this, a calf rearing concentrate (ideally 16-18% crude protein) and good quality forage should be fed. It is essential that the calf diet continues to be supplemented with a specific calf mineral such as Vital Ndama, whether within the diet or as a free-access supplement.
Ensure that the mineral supplement does not contain added iron. Additional iron will affect an already challenged copper availability, causing ‘lock-up’ which can result in poor growth rates and a ginger or brown colour of the coat.
Vital Ndama contains no intentionally added iron, three types of copper compound to combat copper “lock-up” and is specifically formulated for calves reared under typical Kenyan conditions.
Reference: vital animal health
