Calf Starter
A Highly palatable starter feed designed to transition calves onto grain and support early growth..
Guaranteed Analysis
Protein: 18% Fat: 2.5% Fiber: 5%
Umbarger Calf Starter is designed as a first-grain step for young calves — whether nursing or newly weaned — that are beginning to eat solid feed. It features flaked corn and oats to enhance palatability and digestibility, encouraging calves to actively consume grain early on.
Early intake of solid feed is critical because it stimulates the development of the rumen — the part of the digestive system calves must rely on once they are off milk or milk replacer. As rumen microbes ferment the starter, they produce volatile fatty acids that help the rumen grow and function properly.
Calf Starter is often used before weaning and for a short period after weaning, giving calves the nutritional foundation and confidence to move smoothly into grower feeds once their intake and digestive function are established.
Key Benefits
Encourages early and consistent grain intake
Promotes rumen development and transition to solid feed
Palatable formulation with flaked corn and oats for digestive comfort
Supports growth in young calves and dairy heifers
Helps reduce weaning stress and stabilizes intake post-weaning
Choose Calf Starter if:
Calves are just beginning to eat grain
You are pre-weaning or newly post-weaned
Smooth intake and rumen development are priorities
You want a stress-reducing grain transition for young calves
Calf Starter is not recommended for:
Mature cattle or cattle already comfortably on grain diets
Later feed phases where performance grower/finisher feeds are appropriate
For those stages, move calves to a grower or other phase-appropriate ration once intake and rumen function are established.
Calf Starter is a highly palatable, digestible starter ration formulated to help calves make a smooth, stress-free transition onto solid feed and promote early rumen development and growth.