Nutrition for calves and heifers

Getting off to the right start

A calf’s first months of life are crucial for proper development.

It’s a period when the young animal’s immune system begins to mature, and the way it grows at that moment is a determining factor for future reproductive and milk production performances. With a feed plan that has stood up to the test in the field, Vitalac offers effective solutions proven by farmers. 

• Sufficient immunity transfer in calves
• Double the birth weight at 56 days
• Ensure a smooth food transition
• Maximise post-weaning growth

Two key points: healthy digestive function and growth

In terms of a heifer’s production during first lactation, doubling her birth weight at 56 days of age is three times more important than her genetic potential. Reaching a ADG of 900g rather than 600g in the first two months of life will increase milk production during first lactation by 1,000 litres. Preparation for this is thus of vital importance and requires high-quality, protein-rich feed. However, because a young calf’s digestive system is immature, growth is often disrupted by diarrhoea, a real plague in calves, which present sometimes disastrous consequences such as dehydration, loss of body condition, growth delays or even death. It can come from feed or infections. That’s why at Vitalac, we focus on the following key areas: immunity, hygiene, feed transition and preparation of the calves’ digestive system.