Tracing Forage Evolution in Dairy Calf Diets: From Tradition to Innovation

Historically, forage provision for young calves has been conservative, largely restricted to stimulating rumen motility and promoting structural development, even though there are still a debate on whether or not feed forage preweaning. However, recent research reveals that forage characteristics—particle size, physical form, digestibility, fiber type, and inclusion strategy—interact with liquid feeding programs and starter composition in ways that positively affect performance, rumen development and well-being, contradicting early research. Recent interest in alternative forages, high‑quality conserved forages, precision feeding systems, and alternative ingredients underscores the accelerating pace of innovation. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for designing calf diets that are biologically efficient and systemically sustainable.This collection aims to critically assess how the timing, type, and processing of forages influence the nutritional, physiological, and behavioral development of dairy calves. By synthesizing traditional knowledge with cutting‑edge research, the goal is to outline pathways for optimizing early‑life forage inclusion without compromising growth or efficiency. We encourage mechanistic studies that shed light on rumen development, energy metabolism, and nutrient utilization, as well as applied research demonstrating how novel forage sources or delivery systems may advance calf performance, welfare, and long‑term productivity. This Research Topic seeks to provide a roadmap for integrating forage innovation into calf‑rearing programs worldwide.We welcome original research, reviews, systematic reviews, meta‑analyses, short communications, and perspectives papers that address, but are not limited to:• Impacts of forage quality, particle size, or physical form on rumen development and digestive function.• Interactions among forage, starter composition, and milk feeding programs, with emphasis on fiber requirement.• Novel forage sources or processing technologies for young calves.• Behavioral and welfare implications of forage provision.• Forage‑driven effects on metabolism, immune function, or long‑term lactation performance.• Precision feeding approaches and decision‑support tools integrating forage into calf management.• Sustainability considerations, including nutrient cycling, environmental impacts, and farm‑level efficiency.This topic encourages interdisciplinary approaches and contributions from nutritionists, physiologists, veterinarians, agronomists, and systems scientists. Authors are invited to present evidence‑based insights that challenge conventional assumptions and advance the next generation of forage‑centered calf nutrition strategies. Topic editors: Carla Maris Machado Bittar, Alois Kertz Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/75892/tracing-forage-evolution-in-dairy-calf-diets-from-tradition-to-innovation