There are three key check points that should be considered before weaning your calves from milk:
If you can confidently tick these points off, weaning from milk can take place. At this time reduce the milk over three days then stop altogether. Continue with the same routine minus the milk and feed FiberGain® adlib during this transition period to ensure calves are settled before moving onto pasture.
- The calf would ideally be at a minimum of seven weeks of age.
- Calves should weigh between 75kg and 80kg (Friesians)
- Calves should be consuming approximately 2kg of FiberGain® per calf per day.
If you can confidently tick these points off, weaning from milk can take place. At this time reduce the milk over three days then stop altogether. Continue with the same routine minus the milk and feed FiberGain® adlib during this transition period to ensure calves are settled before moving onto pasture.
Calves on Pasture
Now that calves are on pasture continue to feed FiberGain® at a rate of 2kgs per calf per day until calves have met the desired weight. Calves should now be grazing like mini cows having experienced no weaning check.
For optimal results during the grass transition phase, start calves in a smaller paddock for the first two weeks. At the conclusion of these two weeks, calves will be fully ready to thrive on pasture in larger spaces.
