The weaning phase is crucial for the development of calves. In addition to a supply that meets their needs, the way the milk is consumed also plays a role.
Which feeding system is suitable?
Restrictive, ad libitum, or controlled-satiety – every feeding system places different demands on calf rearing. It is crucial that supply and management are aligned.
- Controlled-satiety: Based on voluntary intake – without permanent free access to the feeder.
- Ad libitum: Enables high milk intake, but places higher demands on hygiene and management.
- Restrictive: Easy to control, but can limit the requirements of high-performance calves.
This is exactly where the practical study began: calves fed under controlled-satiety conditions with slow-flow teats were compared with calves fed on a rationed basis.
How slow-flow teats change things:
Slow-flow teats reduce the drinking speed and thus change the entire digestive chain:
Slower milk flow
The increased sucking resistance slows down milk intake.
Longer sucking duration
The calf sucks longer and more intensively – closer to natural sucking behavior.
Increased salivation
The longer sucking duration leads to increased salivation and better satisfaction of the sucking urge.
Tested under practical conditions
German Holstein calves were studied in two groups over a period of 84 days. In both groups, the milk replacer BEWI®-MILK AM 9 was used.
Control group
Rationed feeding via teat buckets with standard teats.
Test group
Controlled-satiety feeding via milk bar with slow-flow teats.
What the study shows:
- 4.2 instead of 1.8 min/liter: The drinking time was significantly longer with slow-flow teats.
- Nearly +10 kg: On the 84th day of life, the calves in the test group were nearly 10 kg heavier.
- Calmer behavior: Vocalizations and cross-sucking occurred less frequently in the test group.
What this means for the barn
- Higher weight gains: Calves can effectively convert higher amounts of milk replacer into growth.
- Calmer calves: The sucking urge is better satisfied, and stress-related behaviors occur less frequently.
- Intake is easy to manage: Controlled-satiety feeding combines a milk quantity that meets requirements with timed feeding.
Recommendation for practice
01
Check teats regularly
02
Adjust flow rate
The drinking speed should correspond to natural sucking behavior – not too fast, not too slow.
03
Use high-quality milk replacer
The best technology only works in combination with the right milk replacer (e.g., BEWI®-MILK AM 9).
