Keywords
How to Cite
Abstract
Similar to any mammal, newborn dairy calves must consume milk in the first weeks of life because of their inability to properly digest dry feeds. On most dairy farms, milk harvested from cows or reconstituted milk replacer powder provides the primary source of nutrients for calves in the first 4-6 weeks of life before they are able to adequately digest other feeds. This 4-page fact sheet was written by Milerky C. Perdomo and José E.P. Santos, and published by the UF Department of Animal Science, June 2011. (AP photo by Tara Piasio/University of Florida/IFAS)
References
Davis, C. L., and J. K. Drackley. The Development, Nutrition and Management of the Young Calf. Ames, Iowa: Iowa State Press, 1998.
Jasper, J., and D. M. Weary. "Effects of Ad Libitum Milk Intake on Dairy Calves." J. Dairy Sci. 85 (2002):3054-8. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(02)74391-9
Khan, M.A., D.M. Weary, and M.A. von Keyserlingk. "Invited Review: Effects of Milk Ration on Solid Feed Intake, Weaning, and Performance in Dairy Heifers." J. Dairy Sci. 94 (2011):1071-81. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2010-3733
NRC. Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle 7th rev. ed. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2001.
Van Amburgh, M.E., E. Raffrenato, F. Soberon, and R. W. Everett. 2010. "Early Life Management and Long-term Productivity of Dairy Calves." In Proc. 21st Florida Ruminant Nutrition Symposium, Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, 91-9.