Three time a day feeding is an excellent approach because you don't over load the stomach, allows for more uniform nutrient intake, and you can feed slightly more milk or milk replacer without health risks. The extra labor and time are the main draw back. The calves will not grow faster unless they are healthier or you feed more nutrients.
It is a good approach if you can justify the labor cost. In return your feeder is more likely to spot health or other problems as they develop.
I have never seen this pencil out and make sense economically.
Mike Hutjens, Extension Dairy Specialist, U of IL - Illini DairyNET
J.W. Schroeder, NDSU Dairy Extension
Arlyn Heinrichs, Dairy Extension, Penn State University.
