1. Weaning can start from nine weeks
From nine weeks of age, it is possible to have your calves weaned. View the ideal build-up and reduction schedule here.
2. Reduce milk over two to three weeks
Gradual reduction is essential and even more important than the amount of milk powder you feed. The calf really needs time to switch from monogastric to ruminant.
3. Ensure the calf consumes at least two kilos of concentrates
To be able to wean, it is important that the calf is already accustomed to deriving energy from concentrates and roughage. An intake of at least two kilos of concentrates per calf per day at the time of weaning is therefore desired. View more tips for rumen development here.
4. Guideline: twice the birth weight
The guideline for weaning is that the calf has reached twice its birth weight. Measuring calves on straw isn’t easy, so here’s a practical tip: measure the chest circumference with a piece of straw rope. A chest circumference of 100 centimetres equals 90 kilos in weight, which means you can wean the calf.
5. No changes around weaning
Moving causes stress. Therefore, preferably do not change the group and housing around the time of weaning. Keep your calf on straw at least until three months old, as the young animal cannot optimally keep itself warm yet. Also, preferably keep the provision of concentrates unlimited for another two weeks after weaning and continue feeding the same roughage. After two weeks, you can gradually switch to, for example, a calculated cow ration.