Milk Feeding Schedule: Gradual Increase, Gradual Reduction

“When increasing milk feeding, always consider the volume of the abomasum. A general rule is that the abomasum holds about 5% of the birth weight. For a 40 kg calf, this means approximately 2 litres of milk fits in the abomasum,” explains our Young Cattle Specialist, Henk Sijtsma. The abomasum is elastic. “If the calf drinks from a teat, it drinks more slowly, allowing slightly more milk to fit in the abomasum.” From the second week onwards, the abomasum capacity increases, allowing milk intake to be gradually increased from 2 to 3 litres per feeding.

Prevent Second Week Dip with a Well-structured Milk Feeding Schedule

“In the veal sector, we still see young calves arriving with milk residues in the rumen,” notes Henk. “This indicates that the calf has been given too much milk too quickly. If the abomasum overflows and milk enters the rumen, it starts to ferment. After three to four days, the calf can become ill. This common dip in the second week can often be prevented with a well-structured milk feeding schedule.”

Adjusting Milk Powder Concentration

Depending on the quality of the milk replacer, it is also possible to adjust the concentration. If you use 175 grams of powder per litre of water instead of 150 grams, you can still provide 800 grams of powder per day with 2 litres per feeding. “Only from the third or fourth week does it make sense to increase to 1 kg of milk powder per day.” Always provide unlimited access to fresh water so the calf can regulate its own fluid balance.

Gradual Weaning Over Three Weeks

For a smooth weaning process, it is important to reduce milk intake over at least three weeks. This gives the calf time to learn to obtain energy from solid feed. The standard feeding schedule assumes a milk period of 70 days. When feeding milk ad libitum, reduction should begin from four weeks of age. An intensive milk schedule requires a longer weaning period, with solid feed intake also playing a crucial role. Read more about developing an  optimal rumen.

Tailored Advice

The feed charts provide a general guideline, but adjustments can be made at farm level. Whether you aim for higher growth, a shorter milk period, or work with different milk replacers for bulls and heifers, our Denkavit specialist in your region is happy to provide tailored advice for your calves.