What growth rates can I expect from dairy-origin beef calves on milk replacer?

In this trial, dairy-origin Angus beef calves fed Olympian milk replacer achieved an average daily live weight gain of 0.95kg per day, with a range of 0.6kg to 1.4kg per day. Calves entered at an average of 62kg (aged 2 to 5 weeks) and reached 99kg at weaning after 42 days.

How much milk powder do beef calves need before weaning?

In this trial, calves consumed a total of 30.5kg of milk powder over 42 days. The feeding plan started at 900g per day (6 litres at 150g/L) for the first 28 days, then reduced to 450g per day for days 29-35, and finally 300g per day for days 36-42 as part of the step-down weaning process.

How should I wean beef calves from milk replacer?

This trial used a step-down weaning approach over 14 days. Calves were fed twice daily for the first 28 days, then milk was reduced to once daily (3 litres in the morning) for days 29-35, and further reduced to 2 litres once daily for days 36-42. Fresh water, calf starter pellets and forage should be available throughout to support rumen development.

What protein and fat levels should beef calf milk replacer have?

Olympian milk replacer used in this trial contains 22% crude protein and 20% fat. It is a whey-based formula containing Progut®, Butyrate and Gardion to support gut health and development. The milk was mixed at 150g powder per litre of water and fed at 37-39°C.

How long should beef calves be on milk before weaning?

In this trial, calves were weaned after a total of 42 days on milk. This included 28 days of twice-daily feeding followed by 14 days of step-down weaning. Calves entered the unit at 2 to 5 weeks of age, meaning they were fully weaned by approximately 8 to 11 weeks old.

Trial overview

Olympian Beef Trial Report

Commercial trial data shows dairy-origin Angus beef calves fed Olympian milk replacer achieved excellent growth rates of 0.95kg per day and reached 99kg at weaning.

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Get the complete results including feeding plans, data tables and cost analysis (PDF, 2 pages)

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Who is this for?

This trial report provides practical performance data for anyone rearing dairy-origin beef calves on milk replacer.

Beef farmers
Calf rearers
Farm managers
Dairy farmers with beef calves
Agricultural advisors

Trial overview

Trial site: Commercial unit (Sussex, England)
Calf type: Dairy-origin Angus beef calves
Number of calves: 30 (born January to February 2025)
Milk powder: Olympian (22% crude protein, 20% fat; whey-based; contains Progut^®, Butyrate and Gardion
Feeder type: Milk bars with teats (10 calves per pen)
Days on milk: 42 days total
Total milk powder: 30.5kg per calf

What this trial measured

This commercial trial tracked 30 dairy-origin Angus beef calves from entry (aged 2 to 5 weeks) through to weaning at 42 days. Calves were fed Olympian milk replacer twice daily via milk bars, mixed at 150g per litre, with a step-down weaning protocol reducing milk from 6 litres to 3 litres and then 2 litres over the final 14 days.

Fresh water, calf starter pellets and straw bedding were available ad-libitum throughout. The trial measured body weight at entry and weaning, daily live weight gain (DLWG) and calculated milk powder cost per kilogram of body weight gain based on March 2025 pricing.

Key results

1
Strong daily growth rates. Calves achieved an average daily live weight gain (DLWG) of 0.95kg per day from entry to weaning, with individual calves ranging from 0.6kg to 1.4kg per day
2
Consistent weight gain to weaning. Calves weighed 62kg on average at entry and reached 99kg at weaning, gaining 37kg over the 42-day milk feeding period
3
Cost-effective performance. At £2,100 per tonne, the milk powder cost per kilogram of body weight gain was £1.73, with a total milk powder cost of £64.05 per calf (based on March 2025 pricing)
4
Efficient 42-day weaning. Calves were successfully weaned after 42 days on milk using a step-down approach, reducing from twice-daily to once-daily feeding in the final two weeks

Performance summary

The trial demonstrated that Olympian milk replacer supports excellent growth in dairy-origin beef calves under commercial conditions.

0.95kg

daily live weight gain

99kg

average weight at weaning

£1.73

milk cost per kg gain

Frequently asked questions

What growth rates can I expect from dairy-origin beef calves on milk replacer?: In this trial, dairy-origin Angus beef calves fed Olympian milk replacer achieved an average daily live weight gain of 0.95kg per day, with a range of 0.6kg to 1.4kg per day. Calves entered at an average of 62kg (aged 2 to 5 weeks) and reached 99kg at weaning after 42 days.
How much milk powder do beef calves need before weaning?: In this trial, calves consumed a total of 30.5kg of milk powder over 42 days. The feeding plan started at 900g per day (6 litres at 150g/L) for the first 28 days, then reduced to 450g per day for days 29-35, and finally 300g per day for days 36-42 as part of the step-down weaning process.
How should I wean beef calves from milk replacer?: This trial used a step-down weaning approach over 14 days. Calves were fed twice daily for the first 28 days, then milk was reduced to once daily (3 litres in the morning) for days 29-35, and further reduced to 2 litres once daily for days 36-42. Fresh water, calf starter pellets and forage should be available throughout to support rumen development.
What protein and fat levels should beef calf milk replacer have?: Olympian milk replacer used in this trial contains 22% crude protein and 20% fat. It is a whey-based formula containing Progut^®, Butyrate and Gardion to support gut health and development. The milk was mixed at 150g powder per litre of water and fed at 37-39°C.
How long should beef calves be on milk before weaning?: In this trial, calves were weaned after a total of 42 days on milk. This included 28 days of twice-daily feeding followed by 14 days of step-down weaning. Calves entered the unit at 2 to 5 weeks of age, meaning they were fully weaned by approximately 8 to 11 weeks old.

Get the full trial data

Download the complete trial report for detailed feeding plans, results tables and cost calculations.

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