How to Feed Jersey Calves

Jersey calves are significantly smaller than other common calf breeds, such as Holstein calves. For this reason, they require smaller portions and a different balance of food to provide the required amount of energy and maintain a healthy weight. According to Scott Bascom of the "Jersey Journal," feeding young calves a diet of only milk and grain leads to healthier rumen development and better ability to absorb nutrients in food.

Things You'll Need

  • Colostrum
  • Whole milk or milk replacement powder
  • Grain calf starter
  • Grass hay
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Offer calves fresh water at all times. Keep the water dish at least a foot away from food to prevent food from getting into the water or vice versa.

    • 2

      Feed calves 2-3 liters of colostrum within 12 hours after birth. Continue feeding colostrum for the first three days of life. Colostrum contains antibodies that help calves fight disease. If colostrum is not available, use a colostrum replacer.

    • 3

      Feed the calves 3 liters of whole milk or 1.5 pounds of milk replacement powder in water. Offer three feedings per day for the first week of life, and two feedings per day during weeks 3-6. Add a third feeding during freezing weather conditions.

    • 4

      Offer 1.5 pounds of calf starter per calf; reduce milk feedings to one feeding per day, starting when the calf weighs 85 pounds, typically at 6 weeks old. By week 8, take the calves off of whole milk and allow them to eat their fill of grass hay in addition to the 1.5 pounds of calf starter.

    • 5

      Increase calf starter to 2 pounds per day during weeks 4-9; continue to offer calves their fill of grass hay. At 10 months, the heifers are adults and should switch to an adult ration.