Effect of Solid Feed on Water Balance in Suckling Calves Given Free Access to Water

Abstract

Effects of solid feed on water balance of suckling calves were examined under three different conditions. Holstein bull calves (n=18) were divided into three groups of M, MS and MSW. The M received only 3.6l/d of liquid milk replacer containing 500-g dry milk replacer for 2wk from 1wk of age. The MS was given free access to solid feed (concentrate and Sudangrass hay) in addition to the milk replacer, and MSW was allowed to drink water in addition to solid feed and milk replacer during this period. As a result, water balance differed among the three groups. Urine volume tended to be larger in M and MSW than in MS. Apparent water retention, fecal water excretion, and fecal moisture content were higher in MS and MSW than in M, although significant differences were not detected between MS and MSW. Fecal water excretion was highly correlated with apparent water retention.