describe photoEach stage of a calf's nutritional program is important to ensuring a healthy and profitable calf crop. A sound and well-managed feeding program is critical after birth to allow a good foundation for calves. In addition to water, colostrum and milk replacer, a calf starter should be fed after birth.

"Because calves are born without a functioning rumen, it is critical that a calf starter is offered one to three days after birth," says Katie Mason, calf and heifer specialist with Purina Animal Nutrition LLC.

The fermentation from water and feed are needed to properly develop a calf's rumen. Delaying calf starter intake can delay rumen growth, ultimately delaying the age at which calves can be weaned.

Katie MasonMason recommends starting calves on feed with a handful of calf starter. As they eat the feed, offer them more starter until they are eating as much as they want. But be careful not to overfill the feed bucket because calves like to lick the bottom of the feed bucket while they are eating. This will also prevent the feed from becoming stale and spoiling.

Calf starter should be checked daily to make sure the feed is clean and fresh. Spoiled grain should be removed every day. A divider between the feed bucket and water or milk bucket can prevent having to discard wet feed.

In addition to feeding a good quality calf starter (at least 20 percent protein), make sure calves have access to clean, fresh water.

Holstein calf in pen"A good rule of thumb for water consumption that I follow is 4 pounds of water for every pound of starter calves eat," notes Mason. Free choice water should be offered to calves 1 to 2 days after birth. Water consumption will encourage feed intake, leading to faster growth and an earlier weaning age.

Calf starter intake is a primary factor for weaning calves. Instead of making weaning decisions by age alone, evaluate the amount of starter eaten by calves.

"Calves can be weaned once they are consuming 1.5 to 2 pounds of starter for three consecutive days," says Mason. "I always measure out 1.5 to 2 pounds of starter so I know what that amount looks like."

It is recommended that calf starter be fed to at least 12 weeks of age for strong feed consumption through the stress of weaning, grouping, moving, vaccinating and dehorning. From there, the calf can be transitioned to a grower feed.

Following these calf starter tips will help fuel your calves' growth and their performance, allowing them to achieve maximum growth at an earlier age which will strengthen your farm's bottom-line.

For more information on calf starter, contact Katie Mason at (937) 407-1978, email: KBMason@landolakes.com or go to: www.amplicalf.com .

Purina Animal Nutrition LLC (www.purinamills.com) is a national organization serving producers, animal owners and their families through more than 4,700 local cooperatives, independent dealers and other large retailers across the United States. Driven by an uncompromising commitment to animal excellence, Purina Animal Nutrition is an industry innovator, offering America's leading brands of complete feeds, supplements, premixes, ingredients and specialty technologies for the livestock and lifestyle animal markets. Headquartered in Shoreview, Minn., Purina Animal Nutrition LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Land O'Lakes, Inc.

4.25.2013