Mini Review on the frequency and quantity of milk feeding to dairy calves

Council Directive 2008/119/EC requires that calves must be fed twice a day with an appropriate diet adapted to their age, weight and behavioural and physiological needs, to promote good health and welfare. Nevertheless, it is becoming popular to feed milk to calves only once a day to reduce labour which may restrict behavioural and physiological needs of a calf. This mini-review aims to recapitulate current knowledge about the needs of calves in relation to frequency and quantity of milk meals.