How to care for a bottle calf

Best case scenario, calves stay with Momma.

They aren’t always that lucky. If, like me, you one day find yourself unexpectedly caring for a baby calf, here are some tips to get you started.

Bottle feeding a cow-calf can be a rewarding experience. I hope you find this information helpful.

1. Duration on the bottle: Generally, bottle calves should remain on the bottle until they are around 8 to 12 weeks old. This can vary depending on the calf's health, growth, and the management practices you follow. They will start to show you signs that they aren’t as interested in the bottle as they once were. Probably not a big surprise, but I go for 12 weeks, at least.

2. Choosing a formula: There are commercially available milk replacers formulated specifically for calves. These replacers contain the necessary nutrients for healthy calf development. It's essential to select a high-quality milk replacer that meets the nutritional requirements of your calf. This is by far the best bottle on the market, I highly recommend and if you are lucky to find the version where the bottle screws off for easy cleaning, all the better. BEST BOTTLE

3. Feeding schedule: Initially, newborn calves should be fed colostrum, the first milk produced by the mother. Colostrum is crucial for providing antibodies and important nutrients for the calf's immune system. After the colostrum phase (first 2 days), you can start with milk replacer.

4. Amount of formula: The amount of formula to feed a bottle calf can be determined based on the calf's weight or age. A general guideline is to feed 10% of the calf's body weight in milk replacer per day, divided into multiple feedings. For example, if a calf weighs 100 pounds (45 kg), it would consume around 10 pounds (4.5 kg) of milk replacer per day. Divide this into at least two to three feedings. Check with your formula’s label and measure the product with a food scale, don’t trust the cup in the bag…one of my cow mentors taught me that it’s rarely correct. Thank you Terrie!

At first, I found the weight method confusing. Not to mention trying to figure out what a calf weighs. I measure the formula dry weight with a scale, making sure to zero out the scale to accommodate the cup or bowl. My formula calls for 12 dry ounces per quart of warm water. With the formula and the water, the weight (without the bottle) comes in at around 6 lbs. It also took me five formula formulations before I found one that I was happy with.

If you need to make a formula change, for any reason, make the change gradually so that it isn’t a shock to their system.

5. Feeding frequency: In the beginning, feed the calf approximately 10% of its body weight in milk replacer per day, divided into at least two to three feedings. As the calf grows, you can decrease the number of feedings and increase the volume per feeding. By the time the calf is 8 to 12 weeks old, you can transition them to solid feeds gradually. Near the end of weening, one bottle per day is plenty.

6. Temperature and hygiene: The milk replacer should be mixed with warm water to a temperature of around 100°F (38°C). Test the temperature on your wrist to ensure it's not too hot. Clean and sanitize the feeding bottles and nipples after each use to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. I highly recommend using a blender to mix your formula; shaking it in the bottle rarely mixes the formula well enough. Feel free to add vitamins, minerals, and probiotics to the formula.

7. Socialization and care: Spend time with your bottle calf to build trust and establish a bond. Provide a clean and comfortable environment, ensuring they have enough space to move around. I don’t recommend using bottle buckets, but if you have to; due to time constraints, please don’t use the bucket until you have trust from the calf. I promise you, one day that tiny calf will be bigger than you imagine and you’ll be thankful that they are gentle with you. It’s a great feeling to get some love from a 2,000 lb animal and bottle feeding is where that trust starts!

8. Weaning process: Weaning should be a gradual process. Start by reducing the number of feedings and increasing the amount of solid food such as calf starter grain or high-quality forage. Over a few weeks, decrease the amount of milk replacer and increase the solid feed until the calf is fully weaned. Calves do not eat grass right away. A good sign that they are starting to consume grass is that you’ll find them chewing cud. It takes calves some time for their rumen to develop.

Another lesson I learned is that I was feeding too much grain. In fact, after they are a year old, they don’t need it. If you have good quality grass and hay, that is all they need.

Remember, it's important to consult with a local veterinarian, they can provide personalized advice based on your calf's breed, health status, and local conditions. You can also ask a farmer, they have probably bottle-fed a calf once or twice.

If you still have questions, email me at denise@tennesseecowrescue.org, I’m happy to help.