Rumen Development in Calves: Proper Feeding in Preparation for Weaning

In calf nutrition, attention is often focused primarily on milk. Milk is the main source of nutrition in the first weeks; however, the rumen must be prepared during the milk-feeding period so that the calf can utilize forage and grain in the future. As Akıllı Yem, we view calf nutrition from this perspective: the first 6 months form the foundation of the performance the animal will provide as a heifer or a fattening animal.

Why is the rumen non-functional at birth?

During suckling, milk bypasses the rumen and goes directly to the stomach via the esophageal groove reflex. At birth, the rumen is small and does not yet perform fermentation. The rumen becomes functional starting with the solid feed that reaches it, which usually takes weeks. Therefore, the transition to solid feed must have begun and progressed sufficiently before weaning.

What develops the rumen?

Volatile fatty acids produced by the fermentation of grain and concentrate feed in the rumen stimulate the development of papillae on the rumen wall, which are the protrusions where nutrient absorption occurs. High-quality forage develops rumen volume and muscle structure, supporting rumination. Both are necessary. In calves fed only grain, rumen health may deteriorate, while in calves fed only forage, papilla development and energy intake may remain insufficient.

Access to clean water must also be provided from the first days for solid feed to be consumed. Milk does not replace water; water consumption supports solid feed intake.

Akıllı Yem feeding approach

We evaluate concentrate feed not on its own, but together with the farm’s grain and forage sources. Akıllı Yem 40 HP Concentrate Calf Feed is prepared to be used from the 20th day after birth until the 6th month, in combination with barley-corn crush and high-quality forage. Its formula contains plant-based protein sources such as soybean meal, linseed meal, and corn gluten meal, as well as live yeast, mannan oligosaccharide (MOS), niacin, and organic and inorganic vitamins-minerals. It does not contain urea or coated urea.

Points to consider during use are as follows:

  • The transition to new feed should be made with a gradual program of at least 7 days.
  • It should not be used with straw alone; high-quality hay or straw should be available per calf.
  • Clean water and rock salt should always be accessible.
  • Quantities should be determined according to live weight, forage quality, and the farm’s current ration.

What is the decision to wean based on?

The calf’s age is not a sufficient criterion on its own. The general approach is for the calf to reach a solid feed consumption of approximately 1 kg per day and maintain this for several days. Growth may stall after weaning in calves that have not reached this level. It is recommended to reduce the amount of milk gradually over a period of 1-2 weeks and not to schedule weaning at the same time as stressful procedures such as vaccinations or grouping. Threshold values may vary according to breed, milk program, and ration; a farm-specific plan can be clarified with our technical team.

Which indicators should be monitored?

The result of calf nutrition is seen on the animal, not on the ration sheet. Recording the following data shows whether the plan is working:

  • Daily solid feed and water consumption
  • Monthly live weight gain (by scale or chest circumference with a measuring tape)
  • Fecal consistency and the number of calves with diarrhea
  • Rumination, coat condition, and general appearance
  • Weaning age and post-weaning growth

Feed cost should also be interpreted along with this data. A feed with a low price per kilogram may actually be more expensive if it delays the weaning age or slows down growth. For Akıllı Yem 40 HP Concentrate Calf Feed, the target stated on the product page is an average monthly live weight gain of 30-35 kg and a live weight of 200-250 kg at the 6th month; you can compare your farm’s own results with this target.

From the right product to the right ration with Akıllı Yem

Ask yourself these three questions in calf nutrition:

  • Are my calves consuming solid feed and water from the first weeks?
  • Do the concentrate, grain, and forage form a balanced ration together?
  • Am I weaning based on the calendar or based on feed consumption?

Because successful weaning does not come from a single product, but from early solid feed habits, a balanced ration, and regular monitoring.

Akıllı Yem – Technical Support – Ration Consultancy

Let us evaluate your calves’ live weight, your current forage, and your milk program together to create a feeding plan suitable for your farm. Contact us: 0286 316 71 66 / +90 541 481 98 94