The young Jersey calf can be feed 10% of its body weight as whole milk or milk replacer (22% protein and 20% fat on the feed tag) per day. Thus, if your Jersey bull calf weighs 60 pounds, feed it 6 pounds (3 quarts of liquid in two or three feedings a day). Offer an 18 to 20% calf starter to the calf as a dry feed by one week of age as he will begin to consume it. Once the calf is eating 1 1/2 pounds of calf starter, you can begin to wean or remove the liquid milk product. Water should be available free choice. If it's wintertime, we would highly recommend feeding a milk replacer formulated for Jerseys with higher protein (>24%) and fat (>20%). Because they are smaller, they lose body heat more quickly and will benefit from a higher level of fat and protein.
Mike Hutjens, Extension Dairy Specialist, University of Illinois - Illini DairyNet
Robert James, Extension Dairy Scientist, Virginia Tech
