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Nutrition programs for lightweight calves.

Keith S Lusby1

  • 1Department of Animal Science, AFLS B111, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA. klusby@uark.edu

The Veterinary Clinics of North America. Food Animal Practice
|July 4, 2006
PubMed
Summary

Specialized nutritional programs are essential for lightweight calves from beef and dairy farms. These programs must account for weaning stress, shipping, and young age to ensure adequate protein and energy intake.

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Area of Science:

  • Animal Science
  • Ruminant Nutrition
  • Beef Cattle Production

Background:

  • Beef farms frequently have orphaned or late-calving calves, and many small herds practice year-round calving, resulting in numerous lightweight calves entering the market.
  • The dairy industry also contributes male calves for beef production and heifers for replacement, all necessitating tailored growing strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the critical nutritional and management considerations for developing lightweight calves from both beef and dairy origins.
  • To address the unique challenges associated with feeding young, recently weaned calves.

Main Methods:

  • Designing drylot- and pasture-based nutritional programs tailored to lightweight calves.
  • Addressing reduced feed intake during weaning, shipping stress, and adaptation to manufactured feeds.
  • Formulating diets with elevated protein and energy levels compared to those for older cattle.

Main Results:

  • Properly planned nutritional programs can be implemented in both drylot and pasture systems.
  • Key factors for success include feed form, palatability, and minimizing digestive disturbances.
  • Meeting the higher protein and energy demands of young, lightweight calves is crucial for growth.

Conclusions:

  • Lightweight calves require specialized nutritional management due to their age, weaning status, and potential stressors.
  • Careful consideration of diet composition, presentation, and calf adaptation is vital for successful growth in beef and dairy-derived calves.

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