In this programme, we will provide tips on how to best feed your calves to ensure optimal growth and development. When feeding calves Fiber Start or Fiber Gain, it is important to introduce it from the first few days on an ad-lib basis.
Step 1: Choose Your Fibre
Fiber Start is a high nutritional forage fibre made of pure fresh cut lucerne that promotes rumen growth, improves enzyme activity, and establishes correct microflora populations, allowing ruminants to develop heavier and stronger rumens and become better-performing healthier animals. Fiber Start is ideal combined with other meal.
A higher energy fibre alternative is Fiber Gain comprising of fresh cut lucerne and kibbled barley that encourages full stomach development and promotes rumen growth, making calves and other ruminants physically more developed in seven weeks, and able to be introduced to pasture within a shorter timeframe. It contains highly digestible fibre and superior protein for better health and general ruminant advancement, and is easy and convenient to use.
Step 2: Make Fiber Fresh Available From Day One
To help your calves become accustomed to the smell and taste of the feed, it is recommended to have small offerings of Fiber Start or Fiber Gain available from the first few days on an ad-lib basis. The calves will only nibble and play with the feed initially, but it is important for them to get accustomed to it.
Step 3: In the First Two Weeks, Use Either the Lollipopping Method or Feed in the Trough
Don’t panic if the calves do not seem to be eating much in the first two weeks. During this period, the milk being supplied will cover their feed requirements.
* Method 1 - You can use the "lollipopping" method, where you fold the bag down a small amount each day as the calves eat it and remove the very top dried-out bits. Ideal for Fiber Gain.
* Method 2 - Feed the calves in a trough. If using a trough, make sure it is off the ground, and there is enough space for every calf to have access to it. This is preferred if you are using Fiber Start and are mixing with meal.
Step 4: Clean the Trough Out Fully Every Day
Every days, clean the trough before replacing with fresh product: Ensure the product in the trough remains fresh, and discard any residue left over each day. Calves investigate by licking, not chewing, and cover the product with saliva. This saliva quickly goes stale and will soon put the calves off the feed.
Step 5: Continue to Feed Fiber Fresh Throughout the 10-12 Week Rearing Period
As feed intake increases, their interest in Fiber Start or Fiber Gain will increase rapidly. From that point on, the calves’ intake will grow steadily. It is recommended to continue to feed either Fiber Gain or a mix of Fiber Start and meal ad-lib throughout the 10-12 week rearing period. When feed intake has been measured in trials, it is exponential, starting off very small in the first few weeks and then taking off very rapidly.
Step 6: Achieving Full Stomach Development on Grass
Once the calves are moved onto grass, continue to feed your Fiber Gain or a mix of Fiber Start and meal at a rate of 1-2kg per calf, per day. This will allow for advanced full stomach growth and development.
For further information about our products, visit our website here (https://www.fiber-fresh.com/) or call in to your local rural supplies or equestrian feed store.
