16/10/2026
Do you know how much starter pellet your calves are actually eating at weaning? 🤔🐄
Many dairy farmers know exactly WHEN they plan to wean calves, but fewer know how much starter feed calves are consuming at that point.
Starter pellet intake is one of the most important factors to monitor at weaning because it tells you whether the rumen is developed enough to take over from milk feeding. Calves eating adequate amounts of starter are more likely to maintain growth rates after weaning, suffer fewer growth checks, and make a smoother transition onto a forage-based diet.
Weaning based on age alone can sometimes leave calves struggling if feed intake hasn't caught up.
✅ Are your calves consistently eating 1-2 kg of starter per day before weaning?
✅ Do you know the intake of your best and poorest performers?
✅ Could measuring starter intake help improve calf growth and performance on your farm?
A simple measurement that's often overlooked can have a big impact on growth, health and future productivity.
👇 We'd love to hear from YOU in the comments:
How much starter pellet are your calves eating when you wean them? And do you measure it, or estimate it?
