Method of Feeding Milk and Access to Fiber Source for Young Calves

Abstract

Forty-five newborn Holstein calves were in an experiment to compare feeding milk by open pail and nipple pail and to study effects of access to low quality hay (to simulate consumption of bedding). All calves were housed in elevated metal stalls in a temperature-controlled building and could consume, ad libitum, a calf starter containing 20% ground alfalfa hay. During the 3-wk period, method of milk feeding or access to hay did not affect grain consumption, weight gains, general appearance, or incidence of diarrhea.