Preparing Holstein steer calves for the feedlot.
It is increasingly common to raise Holstein steer calves for entry to feedlot production systems rather than more traditional milk-fed veal production systems. Providing adequate nutritional support for the maintenance and growth of Holstein calves is essential in preparing them for a commercial feedlot environment. In this article, the dietary requirements of preruminant calves are reviewed and examples of evaluating milk diets for Holstein calves are detailed. The importance of the transition between milk feeding and grain-forage diets is discussed. Aspects of disease prevention, such as coccidiosis control and colostrum feeding, are also discussed. The reader will gain practical tools to use in preventive medicine programs involving Holstein steers being prepared for commercial feedlots.
Maas
John
J
Veterinary Medicine Extension, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA. jmaas@ucdavis.edu
Robinson
Peter H
PH
D000821:Animal Feed; D000824:Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn / Q000254:growth & development*; D002417:Cattle / Q000254:growth & development*; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D003126:Colostrum / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008892:Milk; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D014886:Weaning; D015430:Weight Gain