Feeding programs for 3-18 months

Complete Diet for Young Calves

A diet is considered complete when animals receive all essential nutrients and biologically active substances in the right proportions to meet the needs of their bodies. During the period from 3 to 18 months of age, it is crucial to responsibly formulate the diet and ensure proper housing conditions.

At this stage, the amount of milk or milk replacer is gradually reduced, and calves transition to solid feed. Rumen development is typically completed by around four months of age, making high-quality feeding critical for proper digestion and growth. This is also a period of active muscle mass development, during which the energy content of the feed becomes especially important. The amount of concentrated feed increases, and a greater variety of supplements is introduced.

1. At 3 months of age, there is a gradual reduction of whole milk or milk replacer (MR) and a transition to roughage and concentrates. The main components of the diet during this period include concentrates such as compound feed and crushed grains of corn, wheat, and barley. Roughage and succulent feeds include quality meadow hay, fodder beets, and carrots. According to age, it is also necessary to provide mineral supplements (chalk, table salt, and premixes containing macro- and microelements). It is especially important to have clean and warm water constantly available, with a recommended intake of 6–8 liters per day.
2. During the period from 6 to 12 months, calves experience active muscle and bone development, so the diet must be energy-rich. Key components of the calf diet should include: roughage such as hay and straw; gradually introduced silage and haylage; concentrates like wheat, corn, and barley grains, bran; protein and succulent feeds – oilcake, meals, legume forages, carrots, beets, potatoes; and mineral supplements – salt, chalk, bone meal, and water.
3. For calves aged 12 to 18 months, the focus should be on increasing the energy value of the feed. The diet should include roughage, silage and haylage, concentrates, protein and succulent feeds, mineral supplements, and water.

Adhering to a proper feeding program for calves aged 3–18 months promotes harmonious development, increased productivity, and strong health. It is essential to consider the physiological needs of the animals at each stage and provide a complete and balanced diet.

It is also important to distinguish between feeding bulls and heifers. Bulls grow more intensively than heifers, so their diets should include more energy-rich feeds, concentrates, and protein supplements. At the same time, heifers intended for future breeding should receive a more balanced diet to prevent excessive fattening, which can negatively affect reproductive function.

Feeding Program for Calves by VITAGRO NUTRITION

For calves aged 3–18 months, our program meets their physiological needs, supports balanced growth and development, and prepares them for future use in meat or milk production. The diet includes all necessary components: compound feed, roughage and succulent feeds, premixes, protein-mineral-vitamin supplements (BMVD), and mineral additives. Following all recommendations from our specialists will ensure high animal productivity in the future.