Abstract
The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of simultaneous using heat-treated corn grain as basic energy source and heat treated whole soybeans as protein source, in diet for calves 60-120 days old. The main predicted effects were improved energy and nutrients utilization efficiency and production performances of calves at this age. Thirty-six weaned Holstein calves were used, there were three treatments using different concentrates, formulated as: concentrate with micronized corn grain and extruded whole soybeans (KTT); concentrate with non-treated corn grain and soybean meal (KTN); concentrate with non-treated corn grain and extruded whole soybeans (KS). The marked effects of simultaneous use of heat-treated corn grain and whole soybeans were determined for feed efficiency (feed conversion ratio, FCR was 6,2% higher for calves on KTT than on KTN and 4,3% higher than on KS treatment). Efficiency of energy utilization (MJ ME/kg of gain) was better for calves on diet with KTT concentrate (5.8 % and 5.3% lower efficiency of metabolic energy utilization for KTN and KS treatment respectively). Consumed crude protein was better utilized for growth by calves on KTT diets, than other two treatments (10.8 % more CP/kg of growth for KTN, and 7.5% more for KS).
Highlights
Previous processing in the form of heat treatment of feeds is the most significant factor of influence on efficiency of feed utilization (Stojanović et al 2004., Sretenović et al 1996., Grubić et al 1990).Starch is the most significant energy compound of cereal grains
The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of simultaneous using heat-treated corn grain as basic energy source and heattreated whole soybeans as protein source, in diet for calves 60-120 days old
The marked effects of simultaneous use of heat-treated corn grain and whole soybeans were determined for feed efficiency
Summary
Previous processing in the form of heat treatment of feeds (energy and protein sources) is the most significant factor of influence on efficiency of feed utilization (Stojanović et al 2004., Sretenović et al 1996., Grubić et al 1990). Starch is the most significant energy compound of cereal grains. Using heat treated cereal grains in calf’s rations increases utilization efficiency of consumed protein, because the rate of ruminal microbial protein synthesis is increased, as a duodenal flow of non-ammonia nitrogen, losses in ammonia and urea nitrogen are reduced and N retention is increased (Cooper et al 2002., Theurer et al 2002., Barajas and Zinn 1998)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
