Early Weaning Nutrition

This year-hay is a limiting factor. And good nutrition is key once calves leave their moms and a...  More »

This year-hay is a limiting factor. And good nutrition is key once calves leave their moms and are on their own. It's a stressful time and getting calves to start eating and drinking as soon as possible can be a challenge. CHS nutritionist Dustin Elkins recommends firstto get all of your forage tested especially for nitrates. He suggests using a palatable supplement like Headstart that is high in protein, and contains antibiotics to keep calves healthy. (Dustin Elkins / Nutritionist) When the calves are early weaned alot of times you have got some immunity in the colustrom yet in the calves system so they are gong to stay a little healthier on their own. Elkins says a calf will eat between 10 and 15 pounds of headstart a day. That reduces forage intake to 2 to 3 pounds a day.  « Less