Key facts
- Calves require adequate concentrate intake (2kg/head/day) and fiber (straw/hay) for rumen development before weaning.
- A strong 2kg of concentrates daily for at least four consecutive days is recommended before removing milk.
- Weaning should be based on a blend of calf weight and dry matter intake, avoiding rushing the process.
- Calves need constant access to fresh water, especially post-weaning, to aid digestion.
- Average quality, slightly stemmy grass is ideal for turnout to prevent digestive upsets.
- Offering hay or straw in the field can supplement grass, especially in wet weather.
The Advantage Beef Programme, through advice from Sean Cassidy of the ABP farm liaison team, offers key strategies for successfully transitioning calves from milk to grass. A critical step before weaning is ensuring calves consume adequate dry matter intake, specifically recommending 2kg per head per day of a suitable calf starter ration. The development of the calf's rumen is crucial, aided by fiber sources like straw or hay, which contribute to the 'scratch factor' necessary for papillae development. This preparation helps prevent illnesses such as summer scour and promotes better overall thrive. The ABP team advises against rushing the weaning process, suggesting a weaning approach based on a combination of calf weight and dry matter intake, aiming for calves to reach approximately 90kg. Consistent access to fresh water is also emphasized, as water intake increases with higher concentrate consumption and is vital for rumen function. Post-weaning, the ideal sward for calves is average quality grass that has become slightly stemmy, to avoid digestive issues from gorging on lush grass. Training calves to electric fences and using strip wires can improve grazing management. Additionally, offering hay or straw in the field is recommended, particularly in wet weather when grass may have lower dry matter content, to help manage calf digestion and stool consistency.