Feeds and Ration

Calves:  

Colostrum: The first critical step in calf nutrition is to provide 4 litres of clean, high antibody colostrum within 4 hours after birth. This is essential for antibody transfer and overall health.   

Milk Replacer: After colostrum, calves should receive a milk replacer that contains proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals to support their growth and development.   

Feed at 15% of body weight (approx. 5-6 litres daily for a 40kg calf) 

Concentrates (Starter): Introduce from 3 days of age. Choose a coarse ration (not pellets) with 18% crude protein to encourage chewing and higher weight gains.  

Fresh Water: Provide free access to clean water from birth. Calves drink approximately 4–5 litres for every 1kg of meal eaten.  

Roughage: Offer small amounts of clean, dust-free straw (rather than hay) in racks from week 2 to aid digestion without causing "pot bellies".   

Growing Cattle:  

Target Growth: High-quality spring grass can support LWG in excess of 1.3kg per day on its own.  

Rotational Grazing: Implement a paddock system to maintain a "leafy" sward. Aim to enter paddocks at a height of 8–10 cm (approx. 1,200–1,600 kg DM/ha) and graze down to 4–5 cm. For weaned calves, provide 1–2 kg of concentrate daily for the first 2–3 weeks after turnout to prevent a growth check while they adjust to an all-grass diet.  

Autumn Support: Late-season grass is lower in sugar and energy. If grass is plentiful but quality is declining, feed 0.5 kg of concentrate per 100 kg of body weight (e.g., 2.5 kg for a 500 kg animal). 

Finishing cattle:  

Finishing cattle should be offered a high energy, low protein ration, as the aim is to develop fat cover, not lean tissue and frame. Aim for a high cereal-based ration consisting mainly of barley and maize meal. The goal is to build frame and muscle to achieve heavier weights early so cattle reach finishing targets sooner.