Abstract
One hundred Holstein heifers were used to examine the effects of monensin (Rumensin®) and lasalocid (Bovatec®) included in calf starter and grower diets. Heifers were assigned alternately at birth to a starter feed containing either Rumensin (28 g/ton, 90% dry matter basis) or Bovatec (40 g/ton, 90% dry matter basis). The Bovatec group was switched to a starter feed containing 28 g Bovatec/ton (90% dry matter basis) at 6 weeks of age. Both groups were switched at 8 weeks of age to grower diets designed to deliver 100 mg/head/day of either Rumensin or Bovatec. No treatment differences were observed between birth and 8 weeks of age. Heifers were moved from individual hutches at 8 weeks of age to group pens (five heifers/pen) and remained on the same treatment for the next 84 days. During this 84-day period, heifers receiving Rumensin gained more weight at a faster rate and tended to be more efficient than heifers fed Bovatec. No differences were observed in feed intake, skeletal growth as measured by hip height, or body condition score.; Dairy Day, 1999, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 1999
Highlights
Dairy heifers often experience a reduction in rate of gain for the first week or two after moving from individual calf hutches to group pens
One hundred Holstein heifers were used to examine the effects of monensin (Rumensin®) and lasalocid (Bovatec®) included in calf starter and grower diets
The Bovatec group was switched to a starter feed containing 28 g Bovatec/ton (90% dry matter basis) at 6 weeks of age
Summary
Dairy heifers often experience a reduction in rate of gain for the first week or two after moving from individual calf hutches to group pens. Inclusion of ionophores in the starter feed offers a potential means of alleviating this reduction in gain Both Rumensin® (monensin) and Bovatec® (lasalocid) have claims for increased rate of weight gain in dairy replacement heifers. Additional claims of these ionophores include control and prevention of coccidiosis, and improved feed efficiency in calves and improved feed efficiency in cattle fed in confinement for slaughter. Little information is available that compares concurrently the efficacy of each ionophore in heifers from birth to 20 weeks of age. This period includes the transition from individual hutches to group pens. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy for preventing and controlling coccidiosis and effects on feed intake, weight gain, hip height, and feed efficiency, when these ionophores were included in the diet beginning at 1 to 3 days of age
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