How to Feed Calves Water After Milk

It is very important for calves to receive water in addition to their milk and calf starter. Water helps necessary bacteria grow in a calf's developing rumen. If a calf is introduced to water early on in its life, it will not have a problem making the switch after being weaned from milk completely. Water should always be offered to a calf after milk, though, so that the calf gets the necessary nutrition from the milk.

Things You'll Need

  • Clean bucket
  • Water
  • Calf starter
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Instructions

    • 1

      Keep a small bucket of fresh, clean water, hung off the ground but within the calf's reach, starting when the calf is four days old.

    • 2

      Introduce the calf to the water by gently, but firmly placing his mouth in the water bucket, so that he knows what it is. Do not dunk his nose as this could make him afraid of it.

    • 3

      Give your calf a calf starter feed starting at four days old, even though he is still getting milk or milk replacer. This will help his rumen develop properly. Water can be mixed with the starter for the first few days, as he starts to nibble at it.

    • 4

      Water your calf three or more times a day if the weather is very cold and you don't have a way to keep the water heated.