Weaning calves
The weaning of calves – the point at which milk is removed completely from the feeding schedule – is an important transition in the rearing of your calves. That is why the weaning itself must occur calmly and carefully by gradually reducing the young calf's milk intake. This transition can only be completed successfully in combination with the consumption of calf feed and fibre-rich roughage, such as hay, chopped straw, or alfalfa hay.
Stimulation of the rumen, through the development of rumen papillae and rumen volume,
increases the absorption capacity. This process is highly dependent on the consumption of
starter feed.
The calf can only be weaned if the intake of solid food (roughage and concentrated feed)
is high enough to meet the maintenance and growth requirements of the young animal.
This allows the calf to gradually develop into a ruminant that is ready to be weaned.
