GOOD CALF FEEDING ENSURES A SUCCESSFUL DAIRY HERD
In the nature, calves grow quickly and healthily because breast milk has all the necessary nutrients and he can drink whenever he wants.
When suckling, the calf must squeeze and suck on the cow's teat to force the milk past the sphincter barrier (this is called positive and negative pressure). It takes some effort and the milk doesn't flow profusely.
He then drinks slowly, up to 4-5 minutes per liter of milk, and he produces a lot of saliva, which contains natural antibacterial properties and enzymes, essential for the digestion of fat.
THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
The digestive system of the ruminant has four stomachs: the rumen, the reticulum (or the network), the omasum (or leaflet) and the abomasum (or abomasum).
For young calves, it is important that the milk ingested is directed into the abomasum and not into the rumen. It is in the abomasum that enzymes are found to curdle the milk.
"It is vital for the health of the calf that all the milk goes into the abomasum. If milk enters the rumen because of fast feeding, either with valve nipples or bucket feeding, it can cause gut ache because the enzymes in the rumen cannot digest the milk. Milk in the rumen is a key factor in rumen acidosis and ill thrift" Source - Dr. Jim Quigley
TO REPLICATE NATURAL FEEDING
This is why it is important to reproduce natural feeding as closely as possible in a nursery. From the first hours after birth, colostrum intake is important and, preferably, should be done with a soft teat, such as the Milk Bar colostrum teat. He will quickly learn to suck and the soft nipple will work and strengthen his jawline.
Then, we move on to milk with a feeder equipped with regular Milk Bar teats. This teat encourage the production of saliva and indirectly, better digestion. It prevents problems with diarrhea and cross-suckling (suckling between calves).
For these reasons, it is absolutely important not to neglect the milk intake of young calves because, if the animal grows in strength and health, you will see positive results in the performance of your dairy herd. To read more on the subject, download the Calf Nursing Guide (also applies to lambs and kids).
