The importance of water for both your heifer and bull calves

In summary, here are the most important preconditions for providing water:

• Start giving water in the first week of life, so that the calf quickly becomes familiar with the water.
• Wait at least 1 hour after feeding milk before giving water. This prevents the oesophageal groove reflex from still being active and the water ending up in the abomasum instead of the rumen. This can also have a negative effect on the curdling of milk in the abomasum.
• A calf needs at least 10% of its body weight in fluid every day. On hot days in particular, this requirement can quickly exceed the amount of milk that calves receive. Please note: heifer and bull calves also need water during colder periods such as autumn and winter.
• Provide lukewarm water to stimulate intake.
• Add electrolytes (Denkacare Vitalfort) to the water to improve the taste and absorption. Ensure the correct dosage (Vitalfort: 25 grams/litre of water).
• To teach a calf to drink, the water can be provided via the teat bucket for the first few days. This will help it get used to an extra feeding time.
• Providing water without a teat is preferable in order to teach the calf to drink and eat just like in the group pens

As Marijn points out in the video, providing water contributes to higher concentrate intake and better rumen development. Research has shown that calves that were given water consumed more than 3.5 kg more concentrate and thus achieved higher growth (more than 3 kg more!) (see table below).