Simply feeding milk or milk replacer isn’t enough in developing calves. Their rumens need a separate source of pure water to feed the fermentation process that promotes rumen development. Research in a 5-week comparison period found calves getting water by a bottle consumed an average of 1.4 quarts of water per day, compared to 0.2 quarts for the bucket group.
Source: Dairy Herd Management, March 8, 2022. Link. Advice for bottle-feeding water in cold conditions:
- Provide water via nipple bottle at a temperature close to rumen/body temperature: 100-105°F.
- Offer water at least 15-20 minutes after milk feeding to ensure the esophageal groove is closed and the water goes into the rumen.
- Feeding at least 2 quarts of water daily will allow for an additional half to full pound of daily starter grain to be digested each day.