Feed calves according to environment

Calf-feeding programs need to work in concert with the physical environment. Young calves have a thermoneutral zone between 68 F and 82 F, and become cold-stressed at just 50 F. Keeping a calf healthy and growing at temperatures outside of its thermoneutral zone requires feeding adjustments, says Mike Van Amburgh, dairy nutritionist at Cornell University.

For example, a 100-pound calf fed a traditional amount of milk replacer will be close to a negative energy balance at 50 F, and it will be mobilizing adipose (fat) tissue at 32 F.  The chart below shows how much milk and/or milk replacer dry matter would need to be fed in order to meet a 110-pound calf’s energy requirements at varying temperatures. This is assuming dry conditions -— and at this weight, no reliance on starter feed for the energetic difference.

1. Ag markets diverged significantly Friday afternoon
2. Vilsack: Food, Farm and Jobs Bill critical for U.S. producers
3. Ag markets decidedly mixed on Friday morning
4. Dairy among best snacks for diabetics
5. Farmers dodge showers to plant corn at breakneck pace
6. Does farming make you fat?

1. Beware of the soy milk after-taste face
2. Monsters love milk, too
3. What sick day? Farmers take just three a year
4. Salma Hayek: Milk part of 'perfect' breakfast
5. Activists at the door
6. IDFA: Opposition to Dairy Supply Management mounts

1. Analysis: Dairy Security Act better for farmers, taxpayers
2. IDFA: Opposition to Dairy Supply Management mounts
3. World food supply depends on character, virtuous leadership
4. Commentary: Slanting the statistics
5. Cold spring stunts upper Midwest hay crop
6. Buffet concerned about soil and starvation