Introduction
Providing water for dairy calves if often an overlooked aspect in calf management programs. The importance of the water and how by providing warm water for calves, especially in colder weather, can benefit rumen development, increase starter intake, and weight gain, and growth performance.
Water is a vital nutrient for dairy calves, making up 75% of their body weight and essential for various biological functions
Despite challenges like diarrhea and freezing temperatures, providing clean, fresh water is crucial for their health and development
Calves need about four times more water than dry matter intake, and warm water is especially beneficial in cold weather
Proper water management, including clean buckets, supports better growth, rumen development, and overall performance
Water: A critical and undervalued nutrient in dairy calves
If you are looking for more detailed information about the importance of water as a nutrient for calves, read ‘Water: A critical and undervalued nutrient in dairy calves’.
Author
Alison Pfau
Bilingual Regional Dairy Educator – Dane, Jefferson, Rock and Walworth counties. Her educational programming focuses on animal welfare, cow/calf care, training programs for bilingual workforce, and climate change.