Effect of pre-weaning feeding regimens on post-weaning growth performance of Sahiwal calves

Abstract

The objective of the study was to assess the post-weaning growth response of Sahiwal calves reared on four different preweaning dietary regimens. The four diets were: (a) whole cow's milk, starter ration (SR; CP 5 20%, total digestible nutrients (TDN) 5 72%) and Berseem hay (H; Egyptian clover; CP 5 21%, TDN 5 63%); (b) whole cow's milk 1 H; (c) milk replacer (MR; reconstituted to supplier specification; Sprayfo R ) 1 SR 1 H; and (d) MR 1 H. The protein and fat percentages of reconstituted MR were 2.22 and 1.84, respectively. Milk or MR were fed at the rate of 10% of the calves' body weight (BW) until 56 days of age, and then withdrawn gradually until weaned completely by 84 days of age. The average initial BW of calves in groups A, B, C and D were 56.3 6 1.0, 47.5 6 1.0, 40.4 6 1.0 and 30.3 6 1.0 kg, respectively. Initially, there were 12 calves in each group with six of each sex; however, one male calf died from each of groups B and C and were not replaced. During the post-weaning period, 13 to 24 weeks, the calves were fed a single total mixed ration ad libitum based on maize, canola meal, wheat straw and molasses containing 16% CP and 70% TDN. Daily feed intake and weekly BW gains were recorded. The data were analyzed by MIXED model analysis procedures using the statistical program SAS. The intake of calves as percent of their BW, feed conversion ratio and cost per kg of BW gain were not different (P . 0.05) across treatments. The daily gain at 24 weeks of age for the pre-weaning treatments A, B, C and D were 746 6 33, 660 6 33, 654 6 33 and 527 6 33 g/day and the final liveweights of calves were 119 6 4.2, 102 6 4.2, 95 6 4.2 and 75 6 4.2 kg, respectively. Gains were influenced significantly (P , 0.05) by pre-weaning treatments. The calves fed MR and H only during the pre-weaning period were unable to catch up post weaning with calves on other dietary treatments. The calves fed whole milk from birth at the rate of 10% of liveweight together with concentrates had higher weaning weight and superior growth rate post weaning as well. Thus, pre-weaning feeding was important for higher weaning weights and superior growth rates post weaning.

Effect of weaning age and milk feeding volume on growth performance of Nili-Ravi buffalo calves

“…de Passill e et al (2011) reported that during the final week of the study (day 101 to day 107) there was no difference in weight gain of Holstein calves, previously reared on 6 L/day or 12 L/day and weaned at day 47 or 89. Bhatti et al (2012b) reported that pre-weaning treatment affected the post weaning growth rate in Sahiwal cow calves. They reported that Sahiwal calves fed on whole milk, starter ration and hay had higher post-weaning growth rates than calves fed on whole milk and hay or milk replacer, starter and hay or milk replacer and hay (746 vs. 660 or 654 and 527 g/day) at the age of 24 week.…”

Calcium propionate supplementation alters the ruminal bacterial and archaeal communities in pre- and postweaning calves

“…However, newborn ruminants have undeveloped nonfunctional rumens, and they obtain nutrients mainly from milk or milk replacer (Guilloteau et al, 2009a,b;Górka et al, 2011). To reduce feeding costs, producers use different approaches to accelerate rumen growth and development to improve the digestive ability of calves (Klein et al, 1987;Pazoki et al, 2017) because preweaning development plays a crucial role in the performance and productivity of the animals (Bhatti et al, 2012;Górka et al, 2018). Volatile fatty acids, especially propionate and butyrate, supply energy to ruminants and also stimulate the growth of the rumen epithelium (Bach Knudsen et al, 2018).…”

The effect of supplemental bioactive fatty acids on growth performance and immune function of milk-fed Holstein dairy calves during heat stress

“…Feces score scale: 0 = firm feces, no diarrhea; 1 = soft feces, no diarrhea, 2 = mild diarrhea, and 3 = watery, severe diarrhea 2. Nasal discharge (0 = Normal serous discharge; 1 = Small amount of unilateral cloudy discharge; 2 = Bilateral, cloudy or excessive mucus discharge and 3 = Copious bilateral mucopurulent discharge) 3.…”