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Calf nutrition from birth to breeding
1Division of Nutritional Sciences, Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 260 Animal Sciences Laboratory, 1207 West Gregory Drive, Urbana, IL 61801, USA. drackley@uiuc.edu
The Veterinary Clinics of North America. Food Animal Practice
|February 27, 2008
Summary
Young calf nutrition requires careful management to transition them from preruminant to functioning ruminants. Feeding systems must consider liquid feed, water, and starter diets for optimal growth before weaning and breeding.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Dairy Nutrition
- Ruminant Physiology
Background:
- Young calves require specific nutrients for growth, similar to other species.
- A key challenge is transitioning calves from a preruminant to a ruminant digestive system.
- Nutritional and digestive physiology are critical for developing effective calf feeding systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the nutritional requirements of dairy calves.
- To emphasize the importance of the transition from preruminant to ruminant.
- To focus on preweaning and transition phase nutrition up to breeding age.
Main Methods:
- Review of general principles of animal growth and nutrient requirements.
- Analysis of the unique digestive physiology of young calves.
- Examination of key feeding system components: liquid feed, water, and starter diets.
Main Results:
- Basic growth and nutrient needs are consistent across species.
- The transition to a functional ruminant introduces complexity in calf nutrition.
- Effective feeding strategies must prioritize the calf's developing digestive system.
Conclusions:
- Dairy calf nutrition must be guided by their evolving digestive physiology.
- Optimizing liquid feed, water, and starter feed is crucial for preweaning and transition phases.
- Meeting nutrient requirements supports healthy development from preweaning to breeding age.
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