Approximately 60 percent of calves in the United States are raised on milk replacer. High fat levels are warranted with cold stress, environmental challenge, and young or small calves. Formulations of typical calf milk replacer are listed in Table 3. Crude fiber is not a good criteria for judging quality of milk replacer because non-milk protein quality depends on processing. Based on ad lib feeding research, performance of calves can be enhanced by feeding a liquid diet at 12 percent of body weight per day.
Newborn calves have little body fat reserve, high energy requirements, and short hair coats.
Cold stressed young calves are more influenced by temperature than older calves. High fat levels or changing energy to protein ratios depress dry starter feed consumption. Only 5 to 15 percent of infected calves show clinical signs. Dairy managers should develop a coccidiosis control program with the assistance of their local veterinarian. Decoquinate should be added to calf starters.