A Guide to Bottle Feeding a Calf

Baby calves may need bottle feeding for a variety of reasons. Orphaned calves must receive full replacement of their mothers' milk, while some other calves may require supplemental feedings if they are not gaining weight or developing appropriately. Before bottle feeding a calf, consult a livestock veterinarian who can advise you on the needs of your specific calf.

  1. Health Concerns

    • Calves who don't nurse are susceptible to a variety of health problems, including malnutrition. They may also fail to develop a healthy relationship with their mothers. If your calf is not nursing, a livestock veterinarian should see both the baby and its mother within 24 hours of birth.

    Supplementing with Colostrum

    • The first milk produced by cows is called colostrum. This thin substance is packed with antibodies that will prevent a calf from becoming sick in the first hours of its life. If the calf does not nurse in its first 12 hours of life, it needs a colostrum supplement. Give the calf the supplement twice over the course of 12 hours. If the calf is still unable to nurse, switch it to milk replacer after the first day.

    Milk Replacer

    • If your veterinarian has directed you to bottle feed your calf, purchase a cow milk replacer. Some pet and most farm supply stores sell these products, and your veterinarian might write a prescription for a specific type of milk replacer. Give the calf 2 qts of milk replacer in the morning and evening until it is three months old. The calf should be provided with free access to hay, grass and water at all times. When the calf is ready to wean, feed the calf 3 lbs. of calf starter food twice per day.

    Bottle Feeding

    • Calves may resist bottle feeding at first, but avoid restraining the calf or force-feeding it. Instead, dribble a small amount of milk replacer on the calf's nose and wait for it to open its mouth. Placing the calf in a small pen can help calm it and make it more likely to eat. If the calf still refuses to eat, your veterinarian may give it a Vitamin B injection, which will help stimulate its appetite.