How Do I Wean a Calf From Milk?

At birth a calf is born with no immunity and needs the colostrum in its mother's milk within its first 30 minutes of life to survive. A calf will also drink 10 percent of its own body weight in whole milk or milk replacement every day for the first several weeks. When the calf is around 6 to 8 weeks old, or after it has been eating 2 lbs. of calf starter mix daily, it will be time to start weaning the calf from milk so that it can grow strong. You will also save money since feed is cheaper than milk.

Things You'll Need

  • Whole milk
  • Calf starter mix
  • Bucket
  • Bottle
  • Hay
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Instructions

    • 1

      Ensure the calf gets colostrum from its mother in its first 30 minutes of life, and continues to receive colostrum as long as the mother produces it. Give the calf one gallon of milk every day or 10 percent of its body weight in milk, whichever amount is larger. Do this in a single serving daily after birth until the calf is weaned. Milk can be replaced with milk-replacement products and should be pasteurized if possible. Feed the calf with a sterilized bottle or bucket to reduce bacteria and prevent the possibility of disease and upset stomach.

    • 2

      Introduce calf starter feed within the first four days of its life. The feed usually is around 20 percent crude protein, with the rest composed of digestible nutrients. Leave the feed in a bucket during the day and night. Measure it to determine how much the calf is eating and monitor it daily.

    • 3

      Stop providing milk daily when the calf has been eating at least 2 lbs. of calf starter feed for more than three consecutive days and has no signs of complications. Once completely off the milk, your calf can begin to eat hay.

    • 4

      Continue with calf starter feed until the calf's daily consumption has reached 4 to 5 lbs. At this point you can start feeding it cheaper heifer feed that is designed for older cows, and it can graze on grass or other vegetation.