Protein and Energy Nutrition of the Neonatal Calf

Choices made by nutritionists and milk replacer manufacturers of nutrient levels and milk replacer ingredients, coupled with choices by calf feeders about feeding rate and calf body weight, largely determine calf growth rate, efficiency of feed conversion, and cost of gain. These choices also largely determine later feedlot performance and carcass composition. For example, early calf nutrition may greatly influence the rib eye area and amount of marbling when the calf ultimately goes to market, and in the case of heifers, timing of first conception and amount of milk produced. Today’s discussion will focus on a broad spectrum of research regarding protein and energy nutrition and their interrelationship for the young calf, some surprising findings about the benefits and economics of increasing protein relative to energy, then some information about different milk replacer ingredients, feeding recommendations, and nutrient requirements of calves.