The present invention relates to methods carried out duringand/or afterthe weaning period for: 1) for decreasing weaning stress in a bovine calf, 2) for increasing body weight and/or for increasing somatic growth of a bovine calf, 3) for increasing solid feed intake of a bovine calf, 4) for maturing the rumen of a bovine calf, and 5) for improving the gut health and/or the gastrointestinal function of a bovine calf.