Feeding calves milk replacer three times a day instead of twice showed short- and long-term benefits in a University of Wisconsin study.
Seventy Holstein heifer calves were fed 1.8 lbs/head/day of milk replacer through day seven. From days eight through 42, they received 2.5 lbs/day of milk replacer in two or three feedings. Results show that three daily feedings resulted in better weight gains and feed efficiency. Those calves also consumed more calf starter during the preweaning process and were more likely to enter lactation than the ones fed twice a day.