Feed colostrum within one hour of birth and again within 6-9 hours. Colostrum should be fed 3-4 times in a day. For the first three days, calf’s diet should be milk based.
From the fourth day onwards start offering small quantities of good quality starter feed by hand. Feed intake will be low for the first two weeks. Keep increasing the quantity of starter while reducing milk. As the calf gets used to eating starter, keep it freely available at all times along with water. There will be a noticeable increase in feed intake at 3-4 weeks of age.
By eight weeks, the calf should be consuming significant amounts. Do not limit starter intake or availability at this stage of growth. It is the right time to wean when the calf is consuming 0.8 to 1 kg starter consistently for three days. At 12 weeks, transition the calf to grower feed.
NOTE: Do not offer forage to calves in the first three months.
