Abstract
It was found that it is possible to give high-quality starter feeds to calves beginning from the 4th day of age and not later than from the 10th-12th day of age. A high-calorie starter contains 16-18% of raw protein or 20% of protein, if calves are weaned when they are four weeks old or younger. Whole milk in the ration of calves from the 11th day of age can be replaced by an adequate Calf Milk Replacer (CMR) at a rate of 1.1 kg of dry replacer per 10 kg of milk. For heifers older than 6 months of age, grain feed (starter) is recommended in a maximum amount of 2.3-2.7 kg per head per day. Initially, the starter should contain 18% of crude protein on the dry basis. After transferring a calf to a new place, the starter can contain up to 16% of protein on the dry basis. Corn and soybean meal should prevail in the starter with the addition of oats and low content of fiber in grain mixes.