COW
Newborn Calf The average Holstein calf weighs from 90 to 100 pounds at birth. A newborn calf is fed colostrum milk for the first three days of life. Colostrum is special because it gives the calf extra nutrients to help the calf get off to a good, healthy start. Calves are usually fed milk or milk replacer starting at 3 days of age. They are also fed calf starter, a grain, beginning at 7 to 10 days of age. They are 4 to 8 weeks old when they are weaned from milk. Six Month Old Heifer The six month old heifer is usually fed silage, hay, and grain. These heifers may also graze (eat grass) in a pasture. Holstein heifers weigh about 400 pounds at this age. Dairy farmers want their Holstein heifers to gain 1.6 to 1.8 pounds each day. Yearling This heifer is called a yearling because she is over one year old. She weighs about 700 pounds and still has quite a bit of growing to do before she enters the milking herd in another year. Two Year Old Dairy farmers refer to animals like this ...