Calves which are chilled, overheated or sick have higher maintenance requirements that healthy animals. Calves should be fed to maintain a body condition score of 3-3.5. Underfed calves will loose condition. To test body condition, producers should feel across the calves spine for body fat reserves. Producers can use newborn calves for a comparison to determine the condition of older animals as most healthy calves are born at a body condition score of 3-3.5.
Producers can also look at calf behavior as an indicator of the success of their feeding program.
Healthy calves will appear vigorous and energetic and will come to the front of the hutch when humans walk by, especially during feeding time. D uring cold weather or under other times of added stress calves need at least a gallon and a half of whole milk during the pre-weaning period. Producers should always follow the mixing and feeding directions recommended on the milk replacer label to ensure adequate nutrition of their calves. Copyright 1997-98, Contact MooMilk Produced by ISYS Idea Systems, Inc.