Volume 14, Issue 4 (12-2023)
Res Anim Prod 2023, 14(4): 33-41 |
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Rezaei H, Kargar S. (2023). Effect of Milk Replacer Plane of Nutrition on Intake, Weight Gain, and Skeletal Growth in Cold-Stressed Newborn Holstein Calves. Res Anim Prod. 14(4), 33-41. doi:10.61186/rap.14.42.33
URL: http://rap.sanru.ac.ir/article-1-1344-en.html
URL: http://rap.sanru.ac.ir/article-1-1344-en.html
1- Department of Animal Science, School of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
Abstract: (815 Views)
Extended Abstract
Background: The lower limit of critical temperature for newborn calves ranges from 5°C (from 3 weeks and older) to 15°C (up to 3 weeks). As the temperature declines below the calf's lower critical temperature, more dietary energy is required to maintain body temperature. Hence, the main goal of this trial was to investigate the effect of milk replacer feeding levels on nutrient intake, weight gain, and skeletal growth in newborn Holstein calves under cold stress.
Methods: Twenty-four neonatal Holstein calves were randomly assigned to receive either a restricted (4 L/d; RPN) or a moderate (6 L/d; MPN) milk replacer feeding plan. Calves were weaned on day 61 and remained in the study until day 91. Milk replacer intake, starter feed intake, and ambient temperature were measured daily. Body weight was recorded immediately before the initiation of the study and every 10 days thereafter. Average daily gain (g of BW gain/d) was calculated as the difference between body weights recorded at 10-day intervals divided by 10. Body frame size was measured immediately before the initiation of the study, at weaning, and at the end of the trial.
Results: Nutrient intake from milk replacer was greater in MPN-fed calves before weaning (P < 0.001); however, nutrient intake from starter feed and total nutrient intake (except for crude fat and metabolizable energy) were not affected by treatment groups before and after weaning. Average daily gain was greater in MPN-fed calves (P = 0.04). Body weight gain before and after weaning, as well as over the study period, was greater in MPN-fed calves (P = 0.01). Withers height (at the end of the trial), body barrel (at weaning and at the end of the trial), hip height (before weaning and over the overall period), and hip width (after weaning and over the overall period) were greater in MPN-fed calves (P ≤ 0.05).
Conclusion: Changing the feeding level of milk replacer did not affect starter feed intake before and after weaning; however, calves fed a moderate level of milk replacer had greater weight and skeletal growth. In general, feeding a moderate level of milk replacer is recommended for newborn Holstein calves under cold stress conditions.
Methods: Twenty-four neonatal Holstein calves were randomly assigned to receive either a restricted (4 L/d; RPN) or a moderate (6 L/d; MPN) milk replacer feeding plan. Calves were weaned on day 61 and remained in the study until day 91. Milk replacer intake, starter feed intake, and ambient temperature were measured daily. Body weight was recorded immediately before the initiation of the study and every 10 days thereafter. Average daily gain (g of BW gain/d) was calculated as the difference between body weights recorded at 10-day intervals divided by 10. Body frame size was measured immediately before the initiation of the study, at weaning, and at the end of the trial.
Results: Nutrient intake from milk replacer was greater in MPN-fed calves before weaning (P < 0.001); however, nutrient intake from starter feed and total nutrient intake (except for crude fat and metabolizable energy) were not affected by treatment groups before and after weaning. Average daily gain was greater in MPN-fed calves (P = 0.04). Body weight gain before and after weaning, as well as over the study period, was greater in MPN-fed calves (P = 0.01). Withers height (at the end of the trial), body barrel (at weaning and at the end of the trial), hip height (before weaning and over the overall period), and hip width (after weaning and over the overall period) were greater in MPN-fed calves (P ≤ 0.05).
Conclusion: Changing the feeding level of milk replacer did not affect starter feed intake before and after weaning; however, calves fed a moderate level of milk replacer had greater weight and skeletal growth. In general, feeding a moderate level of milk replacer is recommended for newborn Holstein calves under cold stress conditions.
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