Traditionally, calf milk replacers containing only dairy proteins have been very popular. However, recent trials conducted at our research center “Drieveld” indicate that including a small proportion of vegetable protein in CMR can enhance calves' technical performance during and after the milk-feeding period.
As calves transition from a milk-based diet to a more complete diet that includes vegetable proteins, their digestive systems undergo important adjustments. Protease production, which is essential for digesting proteins, adapts in response to these dietary changes. The pancreas and intestines gradually adapt their protease output to break down vegetable proteins, an adjustment that can be accelerated by introducing small amounts of vegetable proteins during the milk-feeding stage.
Offering young calves a very small quantity of vegetable protein through DuoPrep+ triggers and enhances protease production, improving the ability to digest vegetable proteins. This early exposure helps calves prepare for weaning from the very first week of life, setting the stage for efficient digestion of vegetable proteins as they transition to solid feed.
In this way, even before calves consume any solid feed, DuoPrep+ supports the development of their digestive system for weaning by introducing a small amount of vegetable protein in their milk replacer.