Summer Scour in Calves: Why a Smooth Transition to Grass Matters
Turning calves out to grass is an important milestone for Irish dairy and beef farmers. But for young calves in their first grazing season, the move from an indoor diet to lush spring grass can bring unexpected challenges.
Summer scour, poor thrive and setbacks in growth can all become concerns following turnout.
The key to supporting calf performance starts well before they reach the field.
Why Is Rumen Development So Important?
Young calves are born with an underdeveloped rumen. As they begin eating solid feed, the rumen develops and becomes better equipped to digest grass.
Introducing a suitable concentrate feed before weaning helps encourage solid feed intake and supports this development.
However, problems can arise when calves are weaned and turned out onto lush, highly digestible grass before their digestive systems have fully adapted.
The sudden change in diet can place additional pressure on the rumen, potentially contributing to digestive upset and poor performance.
How Can Creep Feeding Help?
Good calf nutrition is about more than preparing for weaning. It’s about maintaining consistency as calves transition to grazing.
Providing a starch-based concentrate before weaning, then continuing supplementary feeding after turnout, can help calves adapt to their new diet.
A practical approach includes:
- Creep feed early to encourage solid feed intake and rumen development.
- Wean gradually to avoid sudden changes in nutrition.
- Maintain concentrate feeding after turnout to support the transition onto grass.
- Provide effective fibre, such as hay or straw, to support normal rumen function.
With Advantage Feeders, farmers can provide controlled amounts of supplementary feed, little and often, making it easier to maintain consistent nutrition while calves adjust to grazing.
Give Calves the Best Start at Grass
Managing the risk of summer scour isn’t just about responding when problems appear. It’s about preparing calves for their first grazing season.
A well-developed rumen and a gradual transition to grass can make all the difference to calf health and performance.
Watch our latest video to learn how creep feeding, effective fibre and consistent supplementation can support calf development and a smoother transition to grazing.
Better rumen development. Smoother turnout. A stronger start to the grazing season.
Learn more about practical calf feeding solutions with Advantage Feeders.
