Calf performance when fed with cheese whey associated with discarded powdered milk

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of calves (Holstein × No Defined Breed Standard) fed powdered cheese whey associated with discarded powdered milk up to 60 days of age. Forty calves (35 kg initial average weight) were used, distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments and ten repetitions per treatment: whole milk (control), 100% milk powder, 80% milk powder + 20% cheese whey powder, 60% milk powder + 40% cheese whey powder. Consumption, performance, and economic analysis were evaluated. Data were analyzed for variance and comparison of orthogonal contrasts (P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between the treatments tested regarding the evaluated variables. The animals from all treatments had a final average weight of 50.28 kg as the result of an average weight gain of 0.255 ± 0.03 kg/day and a total dry matter intake of 34.28 ± 1.47 kg/day per calf. The examined diets offered the lowest cost compared to the control treatment, generating an average additional profit of 113.19 R$/animal. Diets containing whey cheese powder are the most economically advantageous options, as replacing 100% of milk with these byproducts did not impair animal performance. The use of discarded industrial milk powder combined with whey powder in a ratio of up to 80:20 is a viable option for feeding male calves in dairy farms. testados sob as variáveis avaliadas. Os animais de todos os tratamentos apresentaram de peso médio final de 50,28 kg como um ganho de peso médio de 0, 325±0,03 kg/dia e um consumo de matéria seca total de 34,28±1,47 kg/bezerro x dia. As dietas testadas apresentaram o menor custo em comparação ao tratamento controle, resultando num lucro adicional médio de 113,19 R$/animal. As dietas contendo soro de queijo em pó são as opções mais vantajosas economicamente, já que a substituição de 100% do leite por esses subprodutos não prejudicou o desempenho dos animais. A utilização de leite em pó descartado nas indústrias associado ao soro de queijo em pó numa proporção de até 80:20, apresenta-se como uma opção viável para a alimentação de bezerros machos provenientes de propriedades leiteiras. Palavras-chave: Avaliação econômica. Bezerros mestiços. Consumo de matéria seca. Desenvolvimento ponderal. Sucedâneo.