Cedar Valley Times in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Rearing Calves by Hand versus Sucking Weaned Early

Agricultural guidance weighs hand rearing of calves against suckling. Hand rearing allows precise milk quantity, enables mixed feeds, and fosters gentler animals, with less risk to cows. Substituting milk with gruel and skimmed milk is feasible after a few weeks, balancing economy and calf welfare. Early fattening risks reduced milk capacity, so steady growth remains key.