Management advice on feeding hay

Producers should not feed hay to calves less than 12 weeks of age, and there are several good reasons why.

• Hay is bulky and high in fiber and thus fills the gut with lower nutrient available feed sources, such as milk and starter.  Calves need these nutrients for healthy growth.
• The first 6 months of a calf’s life are the most rapid and critical growth stages of its life.  Highly available sources of protein and energy are more important than can be digested through fiber-rich diets of hay and grass.
• A calf’s rumen develops over the first 6 months of age, and it typically takes this long for healthy rumen papillae to develop for maximum nutrient absorption.

1. Treating hypocalcemia routinely
2. Ongoing wave of Calif. metal theft prompts further legislation
3. University workshops address workforce management issues
4. Ag markets posted a general advance mid-day Wednesday
5. Can you guess your cow's NEFAs?
6. Vance Publishing's 40 under 40

1. 4 rules for growing a business or industry
2. Seven jobs more dangerous than farming
3. Chocolate milk a top post-workout food
4. What do dairy exports mean for Minnesota?
5. D.C. Watch: Farm bill progressing
6. April milk production up 0.3 percent

1. Commentary: Slanting the statistics
2. Buffet concerned about soil and starvation
3. Seven jobs more dangerous than farming
4. N.M. rancher charged with 43 counts of animal cruelty
5. 2014 Farm Bill: Are we near an agreement?
6. Farm bill and immigration reform action needed