Abstract
The objective of this work was to evaluate the performance of Holstein calves in suckling and post-weaning phases, intensively managed during suckling in the absence or presence of hay. Twenty-four male Holstein calves, at an average age of 15 days and initial weight of 43 kg were used in the experiment. The experimental design was completely randomized, consisting of two treatments and six replications. The treatments were as follows: 1) suckling with milk substitute + initial concentrate for calves, ad libitum + temperate grass hay (oat/ryegrass), ad libitum; 2) suckling with milk substitute + initial concentrate for calves, ad libitum. No significant difference was found between treatments for weight gain and feed conversion. However, the supply of hay caused an increase in daily dry matter intake (2.127 vs 1.894 kg). The intake of hay promoted greater stimulus to consumption of concentrate and greater weight at weaning.
Highlights
It is known that the development of the rumen at an early age is closely associated with the intake of solid feed
The specific objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of hay feeding to Holstein calves in suckling phase on the average daily weight gain (ADG), feed conversion (FC), daily dry matter intake (DDMI) and dry matter intake per 100 kg body weight (PDMI) at suckling and post-weaning phases
No significant interaction between supply of hay and evaluation periods was found the variables of animal performance and dry matter intake (Table 1)
Summary
It is known that the development of the rumen at an early age is closely associated with the intake of solid feed. It is known that the concentrate, due to its unfolding into volatile fatty acids in the rumen, stimulates the development of the mucosa by increasing the size and the amount of ruminal papillae. Roughages, such as hay, provide further development of the volumetric capacity of the rumen and increase in the muscle tissue of walls of the organ as well as it contributes to maintain the pH in the rumen (Paiva & Lucci, 1972). When concentrate feeds are provided early and ad libitum, calves usually do not consume significant amounts of hay; it is commonly observed that the high quality hay become bed eventually. Possibly by consuming a significant amount of hay, concentrate feed intake can be restricted, causing a body growth delay (Hill et al, 2008)
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