Topics:
Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher
Duration of Whole Milk Feeding for Calves
For proper growth of calf, whole milk feeding is desired up to the age of:
- 30 days
- 60 days
- 90 days — Correct Answer
- 180 days
Explanation:
Correct Answer: 90 days
For optimum growth and immune development, whole milk feeding is recommended up to 90 days (3 months) of age for calves. After this, the rumen is sufficiently developed for the calf to depend on solid feed.
Calf Feeding Timeline
| Age | Feed | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 0–3 days | Colostrum only | Passive immunity; essential immunoglobulins |
| 2nd week onwards | Introduce calf starter | Stimulates rumen development |
| Up to 90 days | Whole milk | Essential for growth and digestive maturation |
| After 90 days | Solid feed + roughage | Rumen functional; weaning complete |
Calf Starter Composition
- DCP: 18.5–19.5%
- CP: 23–26%
- TDN: 75%
- Intake of dry feed initiates rumen development and allows early weaning
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- 30 days → too early; rumen is not fully developed; calf still needs milk nutrition
- 60 days → borderline; 90 days is the recommended standard for proper growth
- 180 days → unnecessarily prolonged; economically wasteful and rumen is functional much earlier
📚 About this Topic — Animal Nutrition
This multiple choice question is from Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher. It has 4 options with a detailed explanation of the correct answer. Practice more MCQs from Animal Nutrition to strengthen your preparation.
