A Simplified Liquid Feeding Program for Calves

Abstract

In a comparison of two liquid feeding plans, 39 Holstein heifer calves on the conventional program received 1.59kg of normal herd milk warmed to 32 to 38°C twice daily until abruptly weaned at 42 days of age. The 41 calves on the restricted or simplified program received 3.18kg of colostrum once daily to 21 days of age when abruptly weaned. The colostrum was preserved by freezing and was fed cold (2 to 7°C). All calves received the same starter ration free-choice from birth until 60 days of age. Calves then were transferred from individual pens to common groups. Daily weight gains to 6 wk of age were greater for the conventional program (.46kg) than the simplified program (.37kg). During this period starter intake was 36% higher for the simplified program, a result apparently related to the earlier weaning age. Rates of gain (kg/day) from birth to 6, 12, and 24 mo for the conventional and simplified programs were: .65, .64; .69, .69; and .58, .59. Body weights and withers heights at freshening were essentially equal. Services per conception and 305-day mature equivalent milk yields (kg) were 1.44 and 6,111 and 1.48 and 6,389 for conventional and simplified programs. From birth through first lactation 5 animals were lost on the conventional and 6 on the simplified program. On the conventional program 1 calf was lost before weaning, 1 between weaning and 6 mo of age, and 3 after 2 yr of age. Corresponding losses for the simplified program were 3, 0, and 3. Health was excellent with no discernible adverse effects resulting from the restricted liquid feeding program.