Is this the right starter for my calves?

Calf starter is calf starter, right?

Not quite. There are numerous considerations in building a starter feed that maximizes intake and, in turn, calf growth.

Starch

Recommendations on starter starch content are dependent on corn processing, starter form and other factors.  Generally, texturized starters made with whole corn should contain 26% to 28% starch as fed and starters made with steam-flaked corn should contain less than 28% starch as fed.

Pelleted starters have different recommendations due to the highly available starch from the well-processed ground corn used in pellets and lack of effective fiber.  As such, pelleted starters should contain less than 24% starch as fed.

Starch moderation is important to avoid an acidotic environment.  Overconsumption of starch will depress intakes and create a less-ideal environment for rumen development.

Fiber

Oats are the most traditional source of fiber in starters.  Alternatively, cottonseed hull pellets, fiber pellets, and soy hull pellets are options that have grown in popularity to reduce or eliminate use of oats.  The best option depends on regional availability, pricing and quality/consistency of the ingredients.

The ideal fiber level varies based on the type of starter and the effectiveness of the fiber ingredients.  Effectiveness describes whether the fiber has enough structure to rough up the rumen walls and stimulate papillae growth.

Pelleted starters often contain a higher level of aNDFom compared to texturized feeds.  Vita Plus One-Shot Pellets contain 23% and 26% aNDFom as fed for our 18% and 16% formulas, respectively.  The fiber included, however, is not as effective as in a texturized starter because it is ground for pelleting.

Comparatively, texturized feeds contain a lower level of aNDFom due to inclusion of more effective fiber.  Ranges in aNDFom AF content run from 6% (no added fiber) up to 13% for texturized feeds.  A 2:1 ratio of starch to aNDFom is a nice target for balancing energy and gut health in texturized starters.

Protein

Lastly, we consider protein.  Protein typically ranges from 18% to 22% and is largely dependent on preference, but also other nutrient targets.  If you push higher on NDF and/or starch, protein will likely sit closer to 18% simply due to space in the diet.

Protein level may also depend on your milk program.  With whole milk, calves consume a high amount of protein, and an 18% starter may be adequate.  If a lower-protein milk replacer is offered, higher protein may be worthwhile.

When protein amount exceeds a calf’s ability to utilize it, excess nitrogen will be excreted through additional urine output.  This is an energy-costly process and creates wetter bedding.  Added protein should be justified through additional growth.

Quality

Beyond nutrients, starter quality is key as fines can make or break calf intake.  In pelleted starters, reducing fines comes down to creating a durable pellet.  This is a consideration in texturized as well as pellets are a key component in these feeds.

For texturized feed pellet quality, molasses level matters.  You need enough to encourage palatability and bind fines, but too much can create fines by softening the concentrate pellet.

Corn processing is another consideration.  Unprocessed, whole kernel corn contributes the least amount of fines to a starter.  It is also a more cost-effective choice than processed corn.  In terms of starch digestibility, whole kernel corn has a clear advantage over cracked corn.  Steam-flaked corn has higher starch digestibility over whole corn, but research has suggested that the growth difference is marginal.

Starter intake is a crucial component in transitioning a calf from a monogastric to a fully functional ruminant and productive member of the herd.  There is no one-size-fits-all approach to starter formulation, and it can be tailored to the goals and resources of the farm.