A calf bottle that holds two quarts of liquid is all you should need. A turkey baster or syringe can be used to introduce the calf to the milk or formula if it doesn’t take the bottle initially. Squirting the milk or formula directly into the calf’s mouth using the baster or syringe will help the calf realize you are feeding it. You can then try offering the bottle again The hole on the end of the nipple should be big enough that the calf can easily nurse from the bottle, but not so big that it drinks too fast and aspirates.
To prepare for washing, remove the nipple from the bottle. Rinse the bottle and nipple to remove any surface dirt and milk or formula. Wash the bottle and nipple with hot water and your preferred soap or cleaning detergent. Use a brush to thoroughly wash the inside of the bottle. When washing the nipple, check for tears or cracks. If you notice such flaws, discard the nipple and use a new one. Cracked or torn nipples are hiding places for bacteria that can make your calf sick. After washing the bottle and nipple, thoroughly rinse with warm water. Allow the bottle and nipple to fully air dry before the next use. Try setting the bottle upside down on a rack so that any remaining water can fully drain off. Keep several bottles and nipples on hand so that there is always a clean, dry bottle ready to go before each feeding.
Calves can obtain colostrum by nursing directly from the mother cow during the first 24 hours after birth. However, that is not always possible, particularly if the mother is used as a milk cow. [5] X Research source In that case, if you do not have another source of bovine colostrum, a homemade colostrum replacement can be prepared for the calf. Calves should get 2–3 US quarts (2,000–3,000 ml) of colostrum as soon as possible after birth, and then 2–3 US quarts (2,000–3,000 ml) about 8 hours later. [6] X Trustworthy Source Penn State Extension Educational organization dedicated to delivering science-based information to people, businesses, and communities Go to source To make a colostrum replacement, mix the following ingredients together: 1 cup of dry formula, 2 eggs, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1/2 teaspoon of powdered vitamins A, D, and E. Stir the mixture into a quart of warm water. Give this homemade colostrum replacement to the calf in a bottle during its first two feedings. [7] X Research source In the colostrum mixture, the eggs give shine to the calf’s eyes and coat, and the honey helps prevent constipation. [8] X Research source Wash the bottle after each use following the instructions previously mentioned.
Add the appropriate amounts of dry formula and water to the bottle, put the nipple on the bottle, and shake to mix the contents together. Give your calf one quart of formula or milk for the first few weeks, after which time you will up the amount to two quarts. [10] X Trustworthy Source Penn State Extension Educational organization dedicated to delivering science-based information to people, businesses, and communities Go to source If you have plenty of cow’s milk available (preferably unpasteurized raw milk) from a milk cow, then you can use that in the calf’s bottle rather than formula. Just fill up the bottle with milk and feed the calf. Alternatives to commercial formula include dried whey protein concentrate, dried skim milk, soy protein concentrate, and modified wheat protein.
You can stand directly in the calf’s enclosure when bottle feeding or simply offer the bottle through the fence. It is sometimes easier to stand next to the calf the first few times until it is used to the bottle. Once the calf is used to it, you can switch to feeding through the fence. If your calf refuses the bottle at first, you can try introducing the formula or milk by using a syringe or turkey baster. Either method will allow you to squirt the liquid directly into the calf’s mouth. You can then try offering the bottle again once the calf knows to expect nourishment. [11] X Research source Wash the bottle after each use following the instructions previously mentioned.
If raising two calves simultaneously, you can easily feed them both at the same time by holding one bottle in each hand.
If your calf has a loss of appetite, rapid breathing, joint swelling, and even weight loss, it might be deficient in vitamin A. Consult a vet who treats cows and calves before starting any treatment. To correct a vitamin A deficiency, administer a shot of vitamin A or add powdered vitamins to its bottle. Grains that have gotten wet or moldy lose some of their vitamin content and might not offer enough nutrition. Replace with fresh grains immediately. Calves that are deficient in one mineral like vitamin D are often deficient in others, like vitamin E, copper, manganese, selenium, or zinc. [16] X Research source
Regularly provide alfalfa that has been cured in the sun to prevent rickets in young calves. [18] X Research source Allow the calf time outside in the sun whenever possible for additional vitamin D exposure.
For every ton of grain, add 40 pounds of finely ground limestone. [20] X Research source Continue adding limestone only for as long as your calf shows signs of a calcium deficiency.
Signs of magnesium deficiency include nervousness, irritability, and loss of appetite. [22] X Research source To correct a magnesium deficiency, feed the calf more grains. Good choices include alfalfa, pasture grass, hay, wheat bran, soybean meal, and even legumes. [23] X Research source
A salt or mineral lick should also be provided. You can find these easily at feed stores.
Continue providing pellets for the calf until it is eight weeks old. Fresh water and alfalfa should still be provided, as well as the salt lick. If the calf is reluctant to eat the pellets, try putting a few in its mouth right after bottle feeding. [26] X Research source
Ground feed can be purchased from a feed store or you can make your own. To make your own ground feed, mix equal parts of ground corn, wheat bran, and oats with a bit of powdered molasses. [28] X Research source Initially, just mix in a small amount of ground feed until the calf gets used to it. The, gradually increase the amount of ground feed as you reduce the amount of pellets. [29] X Research source The calf should be fed two pounds of the pellet and ground feed mixture daily. [30] X Research source Continue providing water, alfalfa, and salt. You can also let the calf begin grazing on green pasture grass rather than give it alfalfa. [31] X Research source
Continue providing ground feed or grains, fresh water, and salt. At this point, you can choose to offer ground feed or grains without any starter pellets.
