Effects of hay grass level and its physical form (full length vs. chopped) on standing time, drinking time, and social behavior of calves

Abstract

Abstract Two 73-day experiments were done on growing calves to evaluate the effect of different forage particle length of hay grass on standing time, drinking time, and social behavior. Hay grass level was changed by increasing and decreasing forage to concentrate ratio (F:C). Hay was the only source of fiber in the diet. In experiment 1, F:C were fed at full length (FL) hay in the total mix ration: low F:C (50% forage) with FL, high F:C (65% forage) with FL. In experiment 2, calves were fed the same total mix ration with same ingredients and nutrient composition but differing in particle length of hay: treatments were lower F:C (50% forage) with short length and higher F:C (65% forage) with short length. At the end of second month, 1 week of adaptation period was provided to allow adjustment of social and feeding behavior with pen mates. Four color cameras supported with infrared antinozzle technology were used to record standing, drinking, and social behaviors. In experiment 1, treatment and hour interaction was found for standing time ( P P P P P P