Boosting Concurrent Intakes of Milk, Solid Starter, and Water: The Ultimate Preweaning Calf Management Success Triangle

Abstract

In this review article, we aimed to explore and discuss interrelationships amongst milk, starter and water intakes and to highlight their cumulative effects on optimizing young calf performance and health. In addition, the unique role of adequate quality water consumption in triggering starter intake and rumen development were discussed. Given that the pre-weaning performance of dairy heifers is associated with their subsequent productivity, efforts have been made to improve calf weight gain in pre- and post-weaning periods. Intensified feeding of whole milk or milk replacers is a nutritional strategy resulting in greater weight gain and feed efficiency in pre-weaning calves. However, depressed starter intake and delayed rumen development are the most prevalent concerns, leading producers to feed calves rather restricted amounts of milk in the pre-weaning period. Recent studies have shown that gradual weaning is a useful method to overcome such negative effects on starter intake and post-weaning performance. Individual differences exist among calves in starter intake behavior and amount. Notably important, calves fed greater amounts of milk and starter simultaneously, grow better and remain healthier than those merely consuming greater milk. To maximize growth performance in both pre- and post-weaning periods, greater starter consumption should be encouraged alongside greater milk intake. Water is essential for stimulating solid feed intake and establishing healthy microbial ecosystem in the rumen. Therefore, the promoted intakes of milk, starter and quality water are all interrelated and should be managed together towards optimal calf health and growth performance, and thus, future productivity and longevity.