Feeding the Future: Quality Nutrition for Young Calves

Concentrate feeds play a vital role in the early development of a calf’s rumen, laying the foundation for lifelong health and productivity. However, as at birth a calf’s rumen is underdeveloped, milk is the primary source of nutrition during the first weeks of life.

It is encouraged to introduce concentrates early. This promotes fermentation within the rumen by producing volatile fatty acids (VFAs), which stimulate the growth of rumen papillae and improve nutrient absorption. This process is essential for the transition to efficient rumination/digestion, improved feed utilisation and achieving strong daily live weight gains.

Fane Valley Feeds Calf Feed Ranges, RIGHTStart Calf Starter, Calf Grower nuts, and Excelsior Pedigree Nuts have been specially formulated to support calves during this important stage of growth. Suitable for both dairy heifers and suckler calves from birth, these rations provide an ideal balance of energy and protein to encourage healthy development while minimising digestive upsets.

High-quality ingredients including Hi-Pro Soya, Maize and Wheat provide both rumen degradable and undegradable protein and starch to support optimal digestion and rumen function, while Actisaf, Safmannan, Yeast and specially formulated calf minerals encourage rumen development and strengthen immunity.

Improved rumen function allows calves to digest forage more effectively, leading to stronger growth rates, smoother weaning transitions and improved overall performance. Supporting calves from an early age with Fane Valley, will help animals reach their full genetic potential.

Fane Valley’s calf range has consistently delivered proven on-farm results, achieving average daily live weight gains of 0.92kg from birth to weaning. Feed conversion efficiency has also been impressive, with approximately 2.05kg of feed required to achieve 1kg of live weight gain.

For more information on how Fane Valley Feeds can incorporate into your calf feeding programme to develop healthier, stronger and more productive animals, contact your local Fane Valley Feeds Advisor, or call 028 8224 3221.