Pre-winter calf growth
Autumn is a period of significant potential growth in the calf. The calf responds to both how much feed there is (prewinter response to amount of feed) and what it’s quality is (pre-winter response to feed quality). However, it also responds depending on it’s previous familiarity with the feeds it is given (interactions with pre-weaning feeding), and how it is managed. Pre-winter calf growth fact sheet
Targets for live weight gain during autumn
| 1 June weight (weaners) |
Stags |
Hinds |
| NZ Red |
+ 18kg on 1 March wt (200 g/d) |
+15kg (167) |
| Eastern |
+ 22kg (250) |
+17kg (190) |
| Elk/Wapiti X |
+ 27kg (300) |
+ 22kg (250) |
Calf growth targets should be the same regardless of weaning strategy (see Weaning management for tips).