Tag: Calf nutrition

Studies have shown that supplementing calves with just 125 to 250 IU of vitamin E per day can significantly enhance their performance and growth. This potent nutrient is crucial for healthy calf development, but what does vitamin E do for calves specifically beyond just boosting growth?

Newborn calves benefit most from milk proteins, but as they grow, they can also use plant-based options. Understanding the best protein for calves is key to ensuring their healthy development and maximizing growth.

According to the MSD Veterinary Manual, inadequate growth rates can lead to a smaller dam at first calving, limiting milk production and conception rates. This highlights the long-term impact of early developmental issues and raises a critical question for many livestock producers: **Why isn't my calf gaining weight?**

According to studies, calves deprived of colostrum are up to 50 times more likely to die in the first three weeks of life. Understanding which nutrient is most critical for calf growth and development at each life stage is fundamental for survival and long-term performance.

Statistics show that mineral and vitamin deficiencies can lead to significant health issues in newborn calves, with deficiencies often stemming from the dam's diet or inadequate colostrum intake. Understanding what vitamin deficiency do calves have is crucial for proactive calf management and preventing conditions that can compromise their growth and immunity.