Dairy calf nutrition: Inclusion of Essential Oils as Enhancers

Dairy calf nutrition: incorporating cinnamon, oregano, and eucalyptus essential oils as enhancers of health and performance

Before considering supplementing an animal’s diet, it’s crucial to grasp the fundamental nutritional requirements of the species. It’s established that the feeding regimen for calves commences with the intake of colostrum within the initial hours of life. Colostrum, aside from its nutritional content, furnishes the newborn with early immunity through defense cells, primarily immunoglobulins (CHASE et al., 2008), along with various other essential compounds.

Following the consumption of colostrum, calves transition to a liquid diet, which may consist of raw whole milk or alternatives. This liquid regimen serves as the primary nutrient source for calves, given that their intake of solid food is typically minimal during the initial stages of life, often failing to adequately meet their maintenance requirements.

When discussing milk alternatives, there are various options to consider, with the primary choice being milk replacer, essentially a powdered milk manufactured industrially.