Whole Milk Feeding Duration for Calf

For proper growth of calf, whole milk feeding is desired up to the age of:

Correct Answer: 90 days

For proper growth and development of the calf, whole milk feeding is desired up to 90 days (3 months) of age. During this period, the calf's digestive system is not fully mature enough to effectively utilize solid feed.

Calf Feeding Protocol

• Day 1–3/4: Colostrum feeding @ 10% of body weight per day (2–2.5 liters/day).
• Day 4 onwards: Whole milk @ 10% of body weight.
• Up to 90 days: Whole milk is the primary feed.
• Creep feeding (calf starter / concentrate) can be introduced from 2–3 weeks of age alongside milk.

Importance of Colostrum (First 3–4 Days)

• Provides passive immunity (immunoglobulins — mainly IgG in ruminants).
• Acts as a laxative and clears meconium (first faeces of the newborn calf).
• Contains trypsin inhibitor that protects immunoglobulins from digestion in GIT.
• Contains 5–15 times more Vitamin A than normal milk.

Why Other Options Are Wrong

• 60 days — too short a period for complete rumen development and transition to solid feed.
• 120 / 160 days — unnecessarily long; economically unviable and not required for proper calf growth.