Winter Feeding and Management of Dairy Calves

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Winter Feeding and Management of Dairy Calves

12/16/2020
Winter Feeding and Management of Dairy Calves

Written by: Megan Carey, PAS Insight FS Feed Specialist 

If our dairy calves are managed well, we can minimize health incidents, maintain growth rates, and ultimately optimize profitability in your herd. In harsh Wisconsin winters, this becomes difficult for most farms.

As the temperature drops, the energy requirement for the calf goes up. The calf will use more energy for maintenance and less (if any) will go towards the growth of the calf. Unless the calf is provided additional energy, you will see increased death rates and depressed growth rates in your calf program.

A few ways to provide additional nutrition in winter:

  • Increase number of feedings (Ex. If you are feeding two feedings currently, add an additional feeding)
  • Increase amount of milk per feeding (Ex. If you are feeding two quarts, increase to three quarts per feeding)
  • Increase solids (Ex. more milk replacer with same amount of water, ask your Insight FS feed specialist to help you figure this one out).

*These ideas should be used in conjunction with feeding a high quality along with free choice water.

While increasing energy is one portion of management in winter. Some other ideas for winter calf management include:

  • Position of Hutches: avoid direct wind, and be sure areas are well drained
  • Bedding: DRY straw bedding is preferable, wet bedding will result in heat loss.
  • Electrolytes: ample supply of electrolytes on hand to avoid dehydration.

Contact your local Insight FS Feed Specialist to help customize your calf program.

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