Bottle calf feeding question

[Kettle Creek Cattle]

Good day all,

I have an angus/holstein heifer calf, shes a little over a month old. She's obviously still on a bottle. I offer calf starter pellets free choice as well. My question is...is it ok to offer her some chopped alfalfa along with her calf starter? I threw a handful in her bowl today and she really seemed to like it. Not sure if its too rich for her or not. Thanks in advance!

 

[farmerjan]

It would be okay but not much. A handful will get her to eating some solids and roughage. It is rich and she needs for her rumen to develop, so that will help; but it would be good if she gets on an orchard grass or other hay.... 2nd or 3rd cuttings will be less stemmy so more palatable for them to eat. If she gets too much protein she can founder, but a handful is not going to hurt her.

 

[Kettle Creek Cattle]

Got it! I'll just give her the mixed grass hay that I give my big cows. Thanks!

 

[Kettle Creek Cattle]

One more thing....the weather man is predicting nighttime temps around 16 degrees in the next day or so. Should I give my calf an extra bottle on those days with cold nights? If so, how much extra should I give her? I don't want her to start scouring again from too much milk (replacer). Thanks, Tom

 

[farmerjan]

I'd give her maybe an extra 1/2 bottle, just for the night feeding so her tummy has a little extra warmth/fullness. But if she is starting to eat grain, I wouldn't give her too much. Full strength, just only a 1/2 bottle extra.

 

[Kettle Creek Cattle]

Roger that! Thanks again!

 

[Kettle Creek Cattle]

How bout salt and minerals? Should I be offering that to my calf yet?

 

[farmerjan]

Salt block, so she can't get too much loose salt. Every now and then they(calves) will overdo loose salt. Mineral could be offered. It is usually not as "tasty" although often it is mixed with salt to make it more palatable. Most calf feeds, will have enough mineral in them for starters. Try a little and see if she is interested. Don't give alot in case she decides to make a meal of it.... calves can do dumb things sometimes. Boredom sometimes too. A handful to see if she wants it?