Wisconsin Study Reveals Gaps in Calf Colostrum Feeding

University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension research shows variations in colostrum care based on calf status.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Organic Food

Gouache-painted illustration of a stainless steel calf feeding pail and nipple on a wooden barn floor, representing dairy calf care research. — A University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension study found that dairy bull and beef-on-dairy calves receive lower-quality colostrum than replacement heifers. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should dairy farmers provide the same colostrum quality to all calves regardless of their market value?

University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension researchers analyzed colostrum feeding practices for 2,934 calves on 27 Wisconsin dairy farms as of October 29, 2025. The study identified significant disparities in the quality, quantity, and timing of colostrum provided to dairy bull and beef-on-dairy calves compared to replacement heifers.

Why it matters

Understanding these feeding patterns is critical for dairy producers, as bull calves often have a lower market value and leave the farm shortly after birth. This research highlights the differences in care priorities that potentially impact the long-term health of animals before they leave the dairy facility.

Beef-on-dairy calves were primarily sired by Angus at 56.5%, followed by Limousin at 33% and Simmental at 9.1%. Study herd sizes ranged from 55 to 2,200 mature cows.

The players

University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension

This educational arm of the university provides research-based agricultural expertise and programming to farmers and communities throughout the state.

The details

Researchers categorized the study population into retained dairy heifers, dairy bull calves, and beef-on-dairy calves to track feeding variations. The findings consistently showed that while all calves received a first feeding, non-retained calves were given smaller volumes and lower quality colostrum, often on a delayed schedule compared to heifers.

The analysis of colostrum feeding practices occurred over a yearlong study period.

Culture Shift

This study updates the understanding of how farm management decisions follow the historical market value discrepancy between replacement heifers and bull calves. It quantifies how this well-known market trend manifests in specific, day-to-day calf care protocols on Wisconsin dairy farms.

Producers in Wisconsin may use these findings to re-evaluate their colostrum protocols to ensure all calf categories receive adequate care. Adopting consistent feeding standards across the herd could influence management costs and future animal health metrics on local farms.

The takeaway

Producers should consider how the prioritization of retained heifers may inadvertently affect the health of bull and beef-on-dairy calves. Standardizing feeding protocols could improve overall farm efficiency and animal welfare regardless of the calf's intended market destination.