The positive impact of intensified pre-weaning calf feeding programs

When calves are provided milk ad libitum, they consume between 8L and 16L per day.^[4,5] Intensified calf feeding programs double the amount of dry matter fed on a bodyweight basis from 1-1.5% to 2-3%. These programs, therefore, have a great impact on early life calf performance, structural growth (both girth and height) and efficiency of feed conversion.^[6]

Intensified feeding programs also show great advantages in terms of early life calf welfare. These feeding systems, especially when provided on an ad libitum basis, allow calves to feed closer to the way they would in nature, by consuming 8 to 10 meals per day (instead of the conventional, restricted practice of two meals per day) and thus spending a greater amount of time feeding (45 to 60 minutes per day feeding, compared to about 10 minutes per day feeding via the conventional method).^[7] Those on restrictive programs, by comparison, exhibit greater signs of hunger (non-nutritive sucking and frequent unrewarded visits to the feeder). Intensified feeding systems thus have quite clear implications for calf welfare in terms of reducing hunger and restoring natural feeding behavior patterns, when feed is provided ad libitum.

In order for these intensified calf feeding programs to make economic sense for dairy farmers, there must be increased long-term performance. Indeed, elevating the early plane of nutrition has been shown to increase long-term production potential. Research on the quantity and quality of milk replacer has shown reductions in age at first calving^[8] and an increase in milk production. One such study by Soberon et al. (2012)^[9] showed the positive correlation between pre-weaning average daily gain and milk yield in 1^st lactation. For every 1 kg of pre-weaning average daily gain, there was an improvement in milk yield of between 850 and 1,113 kg. Thus, the increased costs of intensified calf feeding programs can be recouped by the 1^st lactation.

Implementing these intensified feeding programs requires certain on-farm management techniques for weaning and housing. As rumen development is slightly delayed with more intense milk feeding programs, it can be a challenge to support consistent growth through weaning. Therefore, post-weaning performance depends on a successful transition at weaning which can be achieved by weaning later^[10] and gradually, via a step-down method.^[11]

Additionally, intensified feeding systems generally utilize group housing, whereas in conventional feeding systems neonatal calves are typically housed individually. Calves housed in groups usually consume more solid feed prior to weaning.^[12] and social housing also tends to reduce stress^[13] and results in a more consistent weight gain through weaning.^[14]

Ultimately, the short- and long-term benefits of intensified feeding systems include greater rates of growth, more natural feeding behaviour and the potential for an earlier calving age and increased production. A sound understanding of management techniques that must be implemented in order for intensified feeding systems to be successful is however crucial.