
E648 The 22% Starter Made Better Calves – Not Bigger Ones. Here’s the 3-lb Test.
Published: September 10, 2026
Duration: 32:21
The study cited to sell 22% calf starter did not produce heavier calves. Empty body weight gains between 18% and 22% starters were identical.
On this episode of The Bullvine Podcast, we expose the gap between feed marketing and barn reality. University of Illinois data reveals higher protein builds visceral tissue and cuts fat in gain, but adds zero scale weight. Upgrading feed tags before calves hit the 3-lb daily starter intake threshold burns cash without delivering results.
What You'll Learn
• Why the landmark Illinois trial proved 22% starter builds tissue, not scale weight
• How Jim...