Prevent Cold Stress in Calves - Feeding and Care Guide

By Blake Jackson

Winter presents unique challenges for dairy calf growth, as temperatures dipping below their comfort zone of 55-75 degrees Fahrenheit can trigger cold stress, hindering development. Proactive management is key to ensuring calves thrive during these colder months.

Newborn calves possess limited energy reserves, with only 2-4% body fat. Consequently, they struggle to maintain body temperature when it's cold, requiring increased nutrient intake. This heightened demand necessitates a focus on the caloric content of their feed.

Understanding calf physiology is crucial. Initially, calves function as non-ruminants, relying on milk for nutrition. Enzymes in the abomasum and small intestine break down milk components, while the esophageal groove directs milk away from the non-functional rumen.

As calves cannot digest starches at this stage, milk remains their primary energy source.

Boosting milk nutrition is vital for combating cold stress. Increasing milk volume through more frequent feedings or larger portions enhances calorie intake. This can be done with both whole milk and milk replacer, aiming for 15-20% of the calf's body weight.

Adding fat supplements or switching to a higher-fat milk replacer also effectively increases caloric density with minimal procedural changes.

When using whole milk, pasteurization is essential to eliminate harmful bacteria. Regular testing ensures quality, with a standard plate count below 100,000 cfu/ml. Monitor milk solids, aiming for around 12.5%, and use a BRIX refractometer for accurate measurements.

Milk balancers can supplement lower-quality milk, increasing total solids, protein, fat, and micronutrients, thereby promoting growth. However, exceeding 15% milk solids can cause digestive issues.

Water intake is another critical factor. Providing free-choice water, even when calves primarily consume milk, supports overall health and feed efficiency, especially during winter when scours are prevalent. Offer small quantities of warm water frequently to encourage consumption and help maintain body temperature.

By adjusting feeding protocols to increase milk volume, ensuring milk quality, and providing free-choice water, dairy producers can mitigate cold stress and promote healthy calf growth during winter.

Supplementation and milk balancers can further ease the labor involved. Prioritizing these practices ensures calves thrive, even in challenging conditions.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-diane-kuhl