Effects of limiting frequency of free access to milk on growth and intake of holstein calves during pre- and early post-weaning period

Abstract

New born (male and female) calves (n = 26) weighing 33.3 ± 0.71 kg were used to evaluate effects of restricting frequency of free access to milk before and 2 weeks after weaning. Calves were randomly assigned at birth to 1 of 2 treatments being free access to whole milk twice daily (2X) or free access to whole milk once a day (1X). Milk and starter intakes were recorded daily, body weight (BW) was recorded weekly and metabolisable energy intake estimated. Before weaning, 2X calves had greater milk intake (8.76 L/d) and lower starter intake dry matter intake (DMI); 0.11 kg DM/d) compared to 1X calves (7.11 L/d and 0.21 kg DM/d, respectively; P < 0.01). Pre-weaning body weight (54.21 kg) and BW gain average daily gain (ADG) 0.74 kg/d were greater (P < 0.01) for 2X calves compared to 1X (45.30 kg and 0.58 kg/d, respectively). Feed and energy conversion ratio did not differ (P > 0.05) between treatments before weaning, but were greater (P < 0.03) in 1X calves compared to 2X calves after weaning. Calves fed 2X lost weight a week after weaning, while calves fed 1X maintained growth. Limiting frequency of free access to milk improved solid feed intake and helped calves maintaining apparent growth after weaning.

Welfare of calves

“…Here, twice daily feeding resulted in higher milk intake during the first 4 weeks (e.g. at 2 weeks of age, calves ingested on average ~ 8 L/day and 6 L/day in twice and once daily feeding management, respectively (Muya and Nherera, 2014 ). This may be due to 2‐week‐old calves not being able to ingest more than approximately 6 L of milk in one meal.…”