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In order for a calf to grow healthy and gain weight quickly, its diet must be not only nourishing but also balanced. Insufficient nutrients slow development, and improper nutrition can lead to disease. How to avoid common mistakes, which feeds promote rapid growth, and how to calculate portions correctly - let's talk about it!
Which feeds promote rapid weight gain in calves
From the first days of life, feed for calf growth plays an important role in growing technology, so providing a nutritious diet that will meet their physiological needs is task No. 1.
The first month is considered a critical period, because it is at this time that the basis for further growth is formed. Therefore, it is necessary to provide feed of high energy value, balanced by proteins, fats and carbohydrates, which will contribute to the development of the rumen - the main part of the stomach of ruminants. What to feed calves for fast growth?
The diet will vary as they mature, from milk feeding to solid feed consumption. In the first weeks of life, cow's milk or its substitutes are the main source of nutrients.
From the second week on, calves are fed hay rich in fiber and protein, which promotes rumen development and normal digestion of feed.
Next week, special starter mixed fodder is added - ground corn, wheat, barley, protein supplements (soybean and rapeseed meal) and vitamins for growth of calves with minerals.
Protein and fat supplements should not be neglected, because they are needed for muscle and weight gain, as well as carbohydrates, which provide animals with energy.
Vitamins and supplements for calf growth
Calcium and phosphorus (chalk, bone meal, calcium phosphate) are considered to be the main minerals necessary for bone and tooth strength: they form bone tissue, promote muscle contraction, support skeletal growth and participate in energy processes.
Magnesium has a positive effect on the nervous system and muscle activity. It is found in greens (clover, alfalfa), bran and mineral supplements. Zinc, copper, manganese contribute to the growth and repair of tissues, the strength of the bone structure, the development of cartilage and joints.
Protein is a building material for muscle growth and general development of the animal. In order for calves to gain weight well, they need sources of energy: starch (corn and barley grain), fats and sugars (molasses). Probiotics promote the digestion of the supplements and improve the gastrointestinal tract of calves. All these supplements for fast calf growth are important to include in the feeding ration.
What is the correct way to calculate feeding?
Inadequate or unbalanced nutrition can slow development, while overfeeding or sudden changes in diet can cause digestive disorders. How to calculate the correct feed portion for fast growth? The calf's age, live weight and desired growth rate should be taken into account.
Optimal feeding is divided into several stages: the first 2 weeks - the milking period, where the main food is milk and whole milk with a daily rate of 10-12% of the animal's weight. Additionally pure water and probiotics are given.
The transition period falls on 3-8 weeks of life, the diet consists of milk or its substitute, with the introduction of concentrate feeds.
At the age of 2-4 months calves are transferred to mixed fodder and hay, silage with a daily rate of 1.5-2.5 kg and 1.5 kg/day respectively. From the fifth month the daily norm of ration components is 2,5-4 kg.
The most common mistakes are:
- Abrupt transition between feed types. For example, transfer of calves from milk to dry feed at once, this period should be at least 10 days.
- Water restriction slows growth and can lead to dehydration.
- Overfeeding with milk can inhibit rumen development, and excess feed will lead to increased acidity in the stomach.
- Poor feed quality - this is definitely not worth saving on.
Optimization of feeding with VADA
Correctly formulated diet, comfortable feeders and drinkers, from which calves will easily consume feed and drink water, good microclimate on the farm will contribute to the rapid growth of healthy young stock. WADA offers a wide range of barn equipment that will fully cover all the needs of the animals. Consultation of qualified engineers will help you in selection and, if necessary, in installation. Flexible terms of sale, knowledge of cattle breeding technologies, quality equipment guarantee favorable cooperation of both parties.
04/04/2025
