51AVÊÓÆµ

What is the link between nutrition and pot-bellied calves?

Issues with starter feed, water and forage intakes can all contribute to poor rumen development which is a common cause of pot-bellied calves

clock • 5 min read
One cause of pot-bellied calves is the early introduction of forages such as hay, haylage and silage.
Image:

One cause of pot-bellied calves is the early introduction of forages such as hay, haylage and silage.

Calves with large or distended stomachs, commonly known as pot-bellied calves, are often an indicator that there is an issue with nutrition in the pre- or post-weaning period. Ruminant nutritionist...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

Ìý

More on Dairy

Early-maturing maize variety boosts silage yields on Oxfordshire dairy farm

Early-maturing maize variety boosts silage yields on Oxfordshire dairy farm

Farming on the northern margins of the North Wessex Downs, Hamish McIntosh has always tried to maximise the contribution maize makes to his milking ration

clock 28 January 2026 • 5 min read
Colostrum management: Latest research on handling and storage for dairy farmers

Colostrum management: Latest research on handling and storage for dairy farmers

USA-based calf and heifer expert Dr Jim Quigley offers his perspective, after reviewing worldwide studies into best practice for calf colostrum handling and feeding

clock 27 January 2026 • 4 min read
Dairy Talk - Ifan Roberts: "As much as it is painful to see such turbulence, there is nothing that quite focuses one's mind on-farm than when times are lean"

Dairy Talk - Ifan Roberts: "As much as it is painful to see such turbulence, there is nothing that quite focuses one's mind on-farm than when times are lean"

Ifan Roberts is a new entrant who has established a contract farming agreement milking 500 block calving cows in Cheshire, and is aiming to improve the land farmed, encourage others to participate in the industry and deliver attractive returns to his stakeholders

clock 25 January 2026 • 3 min read