Calf feeding systems

Wennemars’ calf-feeding systems put the calf first. What does the calf need to stay healthy and thrive?

This is a key question for the dairy sector to answer in order to rear long-lived healthy dairy cows that produce milk efficiently and without any problems.

Many factors come into play here. Wennemars focuses on the feeding system.

The method of feeding influences the calf’s digestion.

Instinctively, calves drink milk with their noses up. And with good reason: a natural drinking position and a strong sucking action ensure a good oesophageal reflex.

This ensures that the milk bypasses the rumen and flows directly to the fourth stomach.

If the calf sucks forcefully, it produces saliva, which causes the pH to remain stable and prevents the calf from developing acidosis.

This results in better digestion, and prevents scour and ruminal drinking. The milk is digested efficiently and growth is improved.

Open Teat

This way of drinking is optimised using a tat that has an open connection with the milk in the bucket. The calf enjoys sucking forcefully on it.