By: Rebecca Konopka
Carter County Extension Agent
Farm life often comes with unexpected challenges, and one of the most common is raising an orphaned calf. Whether due to a cow’s death, insufficient milk, or rejection of a twin, beef producers frequently find themselves bottle-feeding calves. There are some practical strategies to ensure these vulnerable animals thrive.
When a calf is born, it has virtually no immunity. Colostrum—the first milk produced by the mother—is critical, delivering antibodies and nutrients that protect against disease. Experts stress that calves should receive 1.5-2 quarts of colostrum within the first four hours of life. After 24 hours the calf is no longer able to absorb the antibodies from the colostrum. If the calf won’t suckle, farmers must step in with tube-feeding, though this requires proper knowledge to avoid complications and possibly death.
That urgency was underscored at a recent Emergency Calf Care Workshop, where local farmers gathered to learn hands-on techniques for saving newborns. Dr. Phil Prater, DVM, demonstrated tube-feeding methods, showing producers how to safely deliver colostrum and milk replacer to calves too weak to nurse. The training emphasized proper technique to avoid aspiration and gave farmers confidence that they could act quickly in emergencies to give vulnerable calves a fighting chance
For the first weeks, calves rely on milk replacers, ideally whey-based formulas designed for young cattle. Consistency is key: the replacer should be mixed with warm water and fed at a stable temperature. Alongside milk, introducing calf starter grain and hay accelerates rumen development—the process that transforms calves into mature ruminants capable of digesting forage.
By week six, calves fed grain show significantly better rumen development compared to those fed only milk. This early introduction of solid feed not only supports growth but also shortens the bottle-feeding period, a major time commitment for farmers.
Calves are ready to be weaned once they consume 1–1.5% of their body weight in solid feed. For many, this milestone arrives between six and ten weeks of age. At this stage, nutrient-dense concentrates should be offered two to three times daily to meet the calf’s high energy needs and ensure continued healthy development.
While bottle-feeding is labor-intensive, it is also deeply rewarding. By following science-based practices—early colostrum feeding, balanced diets, and timely weaning—producers can turn a potential loss into a thriving animal.
For more information contact your local Carter County Extension Office. Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.
Upcoming Events:
- Little Sandy Beekeepers – December 2nd @ 6:30 PM – Topic: Bee Brains
- Northeast Area Livestock Association – December 9th @ 6:00 PM – Topic: Marketing Farm Products
