Step-down suckling method for minimizing weaning stress in newborn calf

摘要

A step-down sucking method is provided for minimizing the weaning stress of newborn calves. The method features feeding newborn calves with a sufficient amount of milk corresponding to 15-25% of body weight for 3-5 weeks following birth, and then with a stepwise decreased amount of milk corresponding finally to 8-15% of body weight for 3-7 days, with the differential amount replaced with water and then with gradually decreased amounts of milk from 8-15% to zero % of the body weight and with solid feedstuffs for a period from 5 weeks to 6-8 weeks after birth, thereby inducing the calves to maximally take solid feedstuff with minimal weaning stress.