Page 165 - Agriculture_Form_3

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

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Figure 9.8 (a): Feeding calf by Figure 9.8 (b): Feeding calf by
bucket bottle

To prepare artificial colostrum, mix 1 litre of fresh warm milk, 1 raw egg, and
one teaspoon of cooking oil. Stir well, warm it to about 38 - 40 °C, and feed
immediately. No part should be stored for later use. This mixture can protect the
calf while natural colostrum is unavailable. After birth, the calf may remain with
the mother or be moved to a prepared pen. The pen must be warm, dry, clean and
protect the calf from wind, rain, and cold.

Feeding practices for calves
Feeding calves after the colostrum stage involves giving milk or milk replacer.
Milk can be given through a feeding bucket or bottle with a soft teat. Milk must
be warmed to the animal’s body temperature. Feeding buckets or bottles must
be cleaned after every use. The quantity of milk given should change as the calf
grows. Table 9.2 shows a basic milk-feeding schedule for calves from birth to
weaning.
Table 9.2: Basic milk feeding schedule for calves

Calf age (weeks) Amount of milk per day (litres)
1 – 2 2 – 3

3 – 4 3 – 4

5 – 8 4

9 – 12 3

13 – 16 1 – 2

From the second week, calves must be offered clean drinking water and calf
starter feed in small amounts. Calf starter feed is a dry mixture that is rich in
energy, protein, minerals and vitamins. It is specially made to encourage early

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