Calf nutrition

A good start is essential for calves. Section 3 of the Teagasc Calf Rearing Manual gives clear guidelines on the nutritional needs when milk feeding the artificially reared calf. It also details the different milk feeding systems and methods available for dairy beef producers. 

• Chapter 7 The liquid diet (pdf)
• Chapter 8 Milk feeding systems (pdf)
• Chapter 9 Milk feeding methods  (pdf)
• Chapter 10 Milk replacer feeding (pdf)
• Chapter 11 Milk replacer nutritional specification  (pdf)

Section 4 of the Teagasc Calf Rearing Manual provides details of the development of the rumen, concentrate and fibre feeding as well as the importance of water to the developing dairy beef calf.

• Chapter 12 Development of the calf digestive system (pdf)
• Chapter 13 Concentrate feeding and feed additives  (pdf)
• Chapter 14 The importance of water and fibre (pdf)

The following videos cover the important aspects of milk and concentrate feeding:

• Calf rearing- Milk feeding
• Calf rearing- Rumen development