Calf Starter Feed

[MrsGravy]

Hello!!

I have a calf that is being bottle fed, she will be 3 weeks old this upcoming weekend. When is a good time to start starter feed and what's the best way to get her interested in it.

Thank you!!!!

 

[backhoeboogie]

I'd try a little now. Put it in your hand when you give her the bottle. Slip a little in her mouth and watch her reaction. They usually take very little initially. You can put a few cups in your feed dispenser. Put a teaspoon or so of your calf mix (dry) on top to give it the aroma of her bottle. Keep the feed fresh. gradually increase the amount of feed as her appetite increases.

 

[Lucky_P]

I have some available to them from Day One. Only small amounts at first, and replace with fresh daily, if they're not eating it. At every feeding, and every time I happen to pass by the calf pen, I'd cram a handful into their mouth.
Once they're consuming about 1.5#/day, I stop the bottle and just increase grain feeding fairly rapidly to 5#/day or more, depending upon size of calf.

 

[skyhightree1]

i feed small amounts till interested then increase the amount... I also put molasses on the starter