The commissioner of this thesis is HKScan Finland Oy and Valio Ltd. The aim was to study if Startti Vital colostrum booster benefits contract calves.

The theory part of this thesis describes the significance of feeding and health of contract calves, as well as the optimal treatment and treatment conditions for calves’ growth and health. The calf’s environmental conditions are more important than the cow. During the first days of life, lay the foundations for sustainable animal production. Highquality conditions for calves to reduce stress.

Four contract calves farms, with 741 calves and 11 group, took part in the study. The study was conducted in winter 2013 – 2014 as feeding experiment. The calves were divided into two research groups. One with Startti Vital and other as control. In Startti Vital group the calves were fed with Startti Vital colostrum booster 50 grams per day during first five days. The calves were monitored by the diseases and weighing the calves after weaning, and after 4 to 5 months. The latest weighing results were obtained in January 2015.

Startti Vital did not improve growth of calves more than the control group. Diarrhea was detected slightly less than in the control group. Statistically that had no effect on health, illness or growth. The biggest health problem in contract calves farms is currently respiratory infections. However, the Startti Vital did not reduce the number of respiratory infections.

When I interviewed contract calves farms, the growth rate of the calves now and before was raised. Some contract calves farms felt that the weight growth of calves has slowed when compared to previous years. In this research the calves weighed hundred grams less after the drinking period, than in the calves studied 2001-2004. Would be advisable to follow the growth development of calves.