Intensive feeding ensures optimal intestinal development
The nutritional level of rearing calves has a significant impact on their development and growth during the milk feeding phase. After the colostrum phase, ad libitum feeding allows calves to fully realize their growth potential.
Calves fed intensively (ad libitum) with milk replacer show significantly higher daily gains in the first weeks of life compared to those fed restrictively (6 liters per day).
Study at Hofgut Neumühle
A comprehensive study at Hofgut Neumühle examined the impact of intensive milk replacer feeding on the intestinal development of Holstein calves up to 11 weeks of age.
The ad libitum feeding took place from the 4th day of life until the 8th week. The control group received only 6 liters of milk per day. In the 9th and 10th weeks, all calves were weaned (Frieten et al., 2017; Koch et al., 2019).
The results:
Conclusion:
Holstein calves fed intensively with milk replacer had a small intestine that was over 3 meters longer. The surface area of the intestinal mucosa, measured by villi circumference and villi cross-sectional area, was also significantly larger in the ad libitumfed calves. The results confirm faster intestinal development and better nutrient absorption with intensive milk replacer feeding.
Our recommendation:
Intensive feeding with BEWI-MILK® milk replacers enables high daily gains and optimal gut development.
