The effect of feeding different milk replacer programs on calf growth, health and serum glucose

Authors: EARLEYWINE, T - LAND O'LAKES, INC; JOHNSON, T - LAND O'LAKES, INC; Nonnecke, Brian; MILLER, B - LAND O'LAKES, INC

Submitted to: American Dairy Science Association Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/23/2007
Publication Date: 7/8/2007
Citation: Earleywine, T.J., Johnson, T.E., Nonnecke, B.J., Miller, B.L. 2007. The effect of feeding different milk replacer programs on calf growth, health and serum glucose [abstract]. 2007 Joint Meeting-American Dairy Science Association, Poultry Science Association, Asociacion Mexicana de Produccion Animal, American Society of Animal Science. p. 112.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Twenty six (26) Holstein bull calves (x = 45.6 kg.) were employed in a 63-day trial to evaluate milk replacer (MR) feeding programs. Calves were allotted to treatment based upon weight and blood gamma globulin status. Calves were fed a conventional product (20% protein/20% fat) fed to provide 227 g or an intensified product (28% protein/20% fat) fed to provide 568 g of MR powder twice daily. Milk replacers contained all milk protein and were medicated with neomycin and terramycin. The conventional and intensified products were fed through days 35 and 49, respectively. Calf starter (18% CP for conventional or 22% for intensified) was fed throughout this 63-day trial. Total gain, MR intake, and F/G were improved (P < .05) for calves fed intensive product when compared with calves fed conventional product. Calves fed the conventional product had lower serum glucose levels than those fed the intensified product during the milk replacer feeding phase. After weaning, serum glucose levels of conventional product calves increased to that of intensified product fed calves.