Limit the amount of soy hulls to less than 10 percent of the calf starter. Soy hulls are fine particle sized feed and your bloat may be related to this. A coarse textured calf starter is desirable. Dry feed stimulates rumen growth and function and your calves may bloat due to underdeveloped rumens and muscle tone not adequate. Make sure weaned calves have access to good quality hay. The physical stimulus of the forage fiber against the rumen walls will promote rumen motility. The use of soyhulls is a self-feeder is discouraged becuase of fines and the propensity for bloat.
Mike Hutjens, Extension Dairy Specialist, U of IL - Illini DairyNET
Hugh Chester-Jones, Uof MN dairy and beef specialist
