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The value of dry feed in calf rearing
Introducing dry starter feed in small amounts to calves in the first week of life is important for multiple reasons, not least aiding rumen development.
Dry feed is dense in energy and protein and full of natural ingredients which, when fed early and in conjunction with potable water and roughage, is the most important nutrition a calf will receive after colostrum and transition milk.
It should be put on par with milk and milk replacer because it has such a big role to play in rumen and gut development.
By encouraging calves to consume it from the first week of life, the rumen develops, providing a rich source of nutrients for the calf and its microbiome.
It also plays a role in recycling the protein used for energy in the calf, reducing the need for this valuable resource to be excreted.
In terms of energy, a calf eating 250-300g of dry feed at four weeks of age is consuming the equivalent of a litre and a half of milk, but the protein produced by the rumen bugs is the equivalent to nearly two litres of skim milk (see table 1) The volatile fatty acids, also produced by the rumen bugs, are key drivers of calf health too.
The calf also receives plenty of readily available sugar energy from the rumen which is vital in cold weather.
Table 1 The conversion of soya protein into milk protein in the rumen by the rumen bugs.

Factors affecting calf starter intake
There are a number of variables that contribute to differences in calf starter intake.
Milk feeding programs
Consider the amount being fed and the protein and fat percentage of calf milk replacer.
Feeding more than150g of fat a day will delay weaning and calf development by up to four to six weeks, which can have a long-term negative effect on fertility and longevity (see table 2)
Table 2 INRA trial
Treatment | Cow’s milk only | Cow’s milk plus low heat skim based milk (Shine Original) |
Milk intake | 58kg | 27kg milk and 10kg Shine Original |
Dry feed intake | 34kg | 58kg |
Weight gain at 10 weeks of age | 52.5kg | 52.5kg |
Water intake and availability
A calf will drink four litres of milk for every 1kg of dry feed consumed.
As milk replacer crude protein levels rise and feeding rates increase, calves will drink more water to excrete the excess protein as the rumen bugs will not be able to recycle the crude protein.
This can lead to ill health in calves in times of stress.
Calf genetics, gender and birthweight
Cow longevity and productivity is correlated to colostrum intake, transition milk feeding and dry feed intake at weaning. All three combine to produce heifers that calve down at 24 months and are long lasting.
Calf starter formulation and its physical form
It is extremely valuable to discuss this with your feed manufacturer’s advisor.
Calf housing, management and environmental conditions
Ensure all calves have access to dry feed and water that cannot be soiled.
It is very important that the area where the dry feed is offered should not be dark, damp or cold compared to the rest of the pen.
Starter quality
Starter that is dusty, mouldy or tastes off will reduce palatability.
Keeping product fresh and utensils and feeders clean is key.
Dry feed has a short shelf life – it begins to deteriorate from the moment it is made – but storing and feeding it correctly will ensure better calf health.
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