Effects of Feeding Rate of Milk Replacers and Bedding Material for Calves in a Cold, Naturally Ventilated Nursery

Abstract

AbstractDifferent milk replacer (MR) programs and rates were evaluated with different bedding materials during cold temperatures. A MR (26% CP and 17% fat) was fed at 0.681 to 0.908 kg/d (study 1) or a MR (20% CP and 20% fat) was fed at 0.454 to 0.681 kg/d (study 2A) to calves bedded with hardwood shavings or wheat straw. In study 2B, calves from study 2A were grouped in pens by previous MR rate and fed a common diet for 28 d. In study 3, calves were fed A) a MR (26% CP and 17% fat) at 0.681 kg/ d for 42 d, B) or MR (26% CP and 17% fat) stepped up to 0.908 kg/d then reduced to 0.681 kg/d for 21 d, or C) 0.817 kg/d of a MR (22% CP and 27% fat) for 21 d and then fed 0.681 kg/d of a MR (26% CP, 17% fat) for 21 d. Calves were weaned at 42 d. In Studies 1 and 2A, ADG was unchanged and starter intake declined linearly (P < 0.05) from 0 to 56 d as MR fed increased. Straw bedding supported 5 to 12% faster (P < 0.05) ADG from 0 to 56 d than shavings. In study 2B, ADG and starter intake declined linearly (P < 0.05) as previous MR fed increased. In study 3, calves fed MR stepped up to 0.908 kg/d and then reduced to 0.681 kg/d for 21 d yielded 5% faster (P < 0.05) ADG from 0 to 56 d than calves fed MR at 0.681 kg/d for 42 d. Choice of bedding material was as or more effective than MR feeding rate in improving ADG of calves in cold temperatures.