Supplemental rations are increasing in cost in livestock production in Trinidad and Tobago. Ruminants at day old to 8 weeks require high energy and protein plant based rations. The economic environment of the country is in a serious state and as a result farmers must use limited supplemental rations for their calves and milking herd. Calves are the most critical group in meeting dietary requirements. Therefore, how can the diet of 2 to 4 month old calves for calves be improved to withstand the conditions of restricted supplemental rations?
The period from birth to 8 weeks of age is the most critical period in a calf's life in terms of its future health and productivity. It is critical that the calf receive adequate protein and fat in its diet and the protein and fat needs to be of high quality. Whole milk may be the best source of nutrition, so that would be the first choice. If whole milk is not available, a high quality milk-replacer is recommended. If one limits intake during birth to 8 weeks, there will be a negative impact throughout life. Several recent scientific papers have verified this. One challenge is to make sure that the calf is eating sufficient dry feed at final weaning. Feeding hay is not recommended until near or after weaning. One option to consider is to use an older cow as a nurse cow and let her raise 3-4 calves simultaneously.
Thank you very much for your reply. As you said the challenge is ensuring that the calves are being fed sufficient dry feed. Our challenge is to meet this demand in our current economic environment. What will be your recommendations?
What is method of providing milk to the calves bottle feeding/pail feeding/suckling?
As the method of providing milk will also have great impact on rumen development
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