Abstract
Ruminal starch degradation in calf starters may determine the production of fatty acids in the rumen as well as its development. Therefore, this study evaluates feeding management of calves by varying the volume of milk and type of starter concentrate. Animals were fed textured starter (Ruter) or ground starter (control group). A total of 32 Holstein calves (16 male and 16 female) were housed in pairs, firstly according to sex, then date of birth. They were randomly allocated to one of the two treatment groups on their first day of life. After birth, all animals received 4 liters of milk, and weaning was performed when starter consumption reached 800g for two consecutive days. Birth weight was used as covariant in the model of statistical analysis, which also considered the effect of blocks and treatments. Mean values obtained from textured and ground starter groups were, respectively: body weight at birth – 38,3 and 38,4 kg (P = 0,96); weaning age – 47,5 and 48,7 days (P = 0,66); and weaning weight – 53,1 and 56,3 kg (P = 0,07). Calves fed Ruter diet showed higher weight gain rates until weaning.
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