Abstract
Identifying a Milk-Replacer and Weaning Strategy for Holstein Calves Using Automated Behavioral Measures of Lying and Environmental Enrichment Device Use
Highlights
Solid feed intake is commonly used by calf raisers to determine if a calf is ready to be weaned from milk or milk replacer
The HI-LATE calves had similar feed intake and enrichment device (EED) use compared to MOD-STEP calves. These findings suggest that weaning age needs to be more than 8 weeks for calves fed 2.4 lb of milk replacer per day
In the three days following weaning initiation, HI-STEP calves increased their solid feed intake compared to their pre-weaning measures, and again once weaning was finalized (Figure 2; P ≤ 0.05)
Summary
Solid feed intake is commonly used by calf raisers to determine if a calf is ready to be weaned from milk or milk replacer. Before 2010, milk or milk replacer was fed at a minimal plane of nutrition (e.g., 20% CP, 20% fat, 1 lb of dry matter per day). This low plane of nutrition combined with a 2-step weaning process motivated calves to eat solid feed at the earliest age possible. The 2-step weaning strategy involved reducing the milk or milk-replacer by 1/2 for a few days, and once the calf ate a significant amount of feed, the second half of the liquid diet was removed. Other solutions included feeding the high plane of nutrition and: 1) apply the 2-step weaning at a later age; or 2) apply a more gradual weaning method
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