Effect of β-casein A1 or A2 milk on body composition, milk intake, and growth in Holstein, Simmental, and crossbred dairy calves of both sexes

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of feeding homozygous β-casein A1 or A2 milk, on the body composition, milk intake, and growth of German Holstein (GH), German Simmental (GS), and crossbred dairy calves of both sexes during the first 2 weeks of life. A total of 104 calves (n = 54 female - f and n = 50 male - m) from the breed groups GH (n = 23), GS (n = 61), and crossbred GH x GS (CR; n = 20) were evaluated. Calves were weighed after birth and received colostrum ad libitum. On the second day, calves were alternately housed in pairs in double-igloo systems according to their random birth order and received either A1 milk (n = 52; 27 f / 25 m) or A2 milk (n = 52; 27 f / 25 m). They were offered 7.5 L/day, and the individual actual total milk intake (TMI) was recorded. Daily energy-corrected milk intake was also calculated based on the milk composition (fat and protein). Fecal scores were recorded daily. On d 15, visceral adipose tissue (VAT) volume was assessed by open magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). In addition, fat and lean mass (g), as well as bone mineral content (g) and bone mineral density (g/cm2), were determined by DXA. The body composition, milk intake, and growth were similar between the 2 types of milk in the first 2 weeks of life. Female calves had more VAT and fat mass, but less lean mass than male calves. GH and CR calves had more VAT and less lean mass than GS calves. Male calves were heavier than female calves after birth and on d 15. The average days with diarrhea and diarrhea occurrence were similar between calves fed A1 and A2 milk and between both sex groups. GS calves presented slightly more days with diarrhea and increased odds of having diarrhea compared with GH calves, not differing from CR.