Feeding Program Support

Feeding young calves effectively requires more than a good product. It requires a well-structured program built around the calf’s biology, the operation’s resources, and the producer’s goals. Dr. Drew works directly with producers to develop complete feeding programs designed to improve health outcomes, growth consistency, and long-term profitability.

The BABY DOLL Program

Program Overview

The BABY DOLL Program began in 1988 with a single goal: to be the lowest-cost calf feeding program available. It offers several advantages over other programs.

  • Simple to use for the calf grower
  • Continuous improvement based on objective calf research
  • Manufactured by independent feed mills in multiple states to the same exacting standards, using the same ingredients
  • Fixed formulas, never least-cost formulated, so calves receive consistent nutrition
  • Low cost-of-gain compared with other calf feed programs

Built for Your Scale

Smaller operations & feed companies

Feed companies that want to produce exceptional calf feeds can work with Dr. Drew to make the full BABY DOLL line locally:

  • The full line of BABY DOLL feeds, made by your local mill
  • No hauling feed long distance to reach your operation

Calf ranches & larger producers

All of the advantages of the BABY DOLL Program, with customization based on the resources you have available. Feeds and programs may be modified based on:

  • Bull calves versus heifers
  • Jersey calves
  • Holstein calves
  • Beef × Dairy crossbred calves
  • Milk replacer composition
  • Feeding plan
  • Client goals
  • Available resources

Program Components

01

Liquid Feeding Strategy

  • Type and concentration of milk or milk replacer
  • Feeding volume and schedule
  • Additives or medications, as needed
  • Transition planning from colostrum to routine feeding
02

Starter Feed & Intake Development

  • Starter composition recommendations
  • Texture (pellet, meal, textured) based on calf age and housing
  • Palatability and intake stimulation strategies
  • Monitoring intake trends to guide weaning timing
03

Weaning Protocols

  • Timing based on starter intake, not just age
  • Step-down plans to reduce liquid feed
  • Post-weaning ration recommendations
  • Avoiding digestive setbacks and growth slumps
04

Grower Phase Transition

  • Transition from starter to grower feeds
  • Balancing energy and fiber to support frame development
  • Supporting immune function and minimizing feed conversion losses

Customization & Flexibility

No two operations are identical. Every feeding program is built around the actual conditions on your farm, including:

  • Feed ingredient availability and pricing
  • Mixing and delivery equipment
  • Calf housing system (individual pens, hutches, group housing)
  • Labor availability and skill level
  • Calf type (Holstein, crossbred, beef × dairy)

Implementation & Support

After designing your program, Dr. Drew assists with implementation and provides follow-up support to make sure it is working as expected. This may include:

  • On-site or remote check-ins
  • Performance tracking and adjustments
  • Feed sampling and formulation review
  • Staff training on feeding protocols

Proven Results

Calves equally spaced in the same barn and fed either BABY DOLL or a popular feed program showed a clear gap by 80 days of age.

“We conducted a fair comparison of calves, equally spaced in the barn, fed either BABY DOLL or the feed we’ve been using. Through 80 days of age, calves fed BABY DOLL gained 13.5 lb more than calves fed a popular feed program. BABY DOLL really works!”

Sam B.

Ohio

Build Your Program

Whether you are building a complete calf feeding program from the ground up or improving the one you already have, Dr. Drew would be glad to help. Get in touch to schedule an initial discussion.

Book a Consultation