Is my calf too skinny?

jhm47

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Find some excellent quality grass or alfalfa/grass mixed hay. It should be green, smell sweet and fresh, and have no signs of mold. Your calf will love it, and it will help to digest her grain feed. Our calves begin to nibble on grass or hay as young as a week old. The digestive system of cattle is designed to eat grass. Rumen development at an early age is very important, and eating grass or hay will help immensely. Your vet is probably concerned that you will continue to feed low quality hay, and that is not good for a very young animal like yours. Keep in mind---if you want her to gain weight, you will need to feed a highly nutrient-dense diet. Just be careful that you don't overload her digestive system with grain. Hay will help to keep her full, and discourage overeating, which can lead to acidosis.
 

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