Influence of weaning method on health status and rumen development in dairy calves

Abstract

In the artificial rearing of dairy calves, the same feeding plan is applied to all animals during the milk-feeding period, with individual differences attributable to development or health status rarely considered. The aim of this study was 1) to analyze whether the parameters of feeding behavior automatically recorded by a feeding computer and weight gain are suitable for predicting the health status and rumen development of male dairy calves, and 2) to compare a conventional weaning method (end of milk provision at 12 wk of age, n = 23 calves) with a concentrate-dependent weaning method (with reduction in the milk amount depending on the consumption of concentrate, n = 24). The health status of each animal was evaluated daily by a scoring list (health score), and body temperature was measured automatically during each milk intake. In addition, the number of veterinary treatments per calf was recorded. Rumen development was assessed by measuring rumen papillae in 8 rumen areas after slaughter (n = 24, half of each treatment group). During the milk-feeding period, body temperature was elevated (>/=39.5 degrees C) on 40.8 and 43.2% of all days for calves on the concentrate-dependent weaning method and the conventional weaning method, respectively. Hay and concentrate intake (but not milk intake) and weight gain were clearly affected by health status. In addition, health score and the probability of being treated by a veterinarian were significantly related to decreases in concentrate consumption. During the milk-feeding period, increased body temperature, an increased number of veterinary treatments, and decreases in milk consumption were all associated with reduced weight gain. Calves on the concentrate-dependent weaning method were weaned at an average age of 76 d, which was significantly shorter than the age at the end of milk provision for conventionally fed calves (84 d). Weight gain and health status did not differ between treatment groups. Weight gain was positively associated with papillae length. A treatment effect on rumen development could not be found. We conclude that the concentrate-dependent weaning method allows a faster physiological development without any negative impact on rumen development, weight gain, or health status; we therefore recommend its use in practice.

Electronic feeding behavioural data as indicators of health status in dairy calves

“…These data may be used to identify sick calves (Svensson and Jensen, 2007;Borderas et al, 2009;Roth et al, 2009). Decreases in concentrate consumption have been correlated with decreased health status (Roth et al, 2009). Indeed, we found a tendency (P = 0.09) for decreased concentrate consumption in calves with BRD compared with that in healthy matched controls on the day BRD was identified.…”

“…Calves on the H and M planes of nutrition were allowed a It may be possible to identify sick calves using feed-related data generated by electronic calf milk replacer (MR) and concentrate feeding systems. It has previously been shown that decreases in concentrate consumption, recorded by an electronic calf concentrate feeding system, were correlated with decreased health status and increased veterinary treatments (Roth et al, 2009). Sick calves have been observed to decrease their unrewarded visits to the MR feeder (Svensson and Jensen, 2007).…”

“…Automatic MR and concentrate feeders can provide producers with feeding behaviour data, including MR and concentrate consumption, number of visits to the feeder and drinking speed. These data may be used to identify sick calves (Svensson and Jensen, 2007;Borderas et al, 2009;Roth et al, 2009). Decreases in concentrate consumption have been correlated with decreased health status (Roth et al, 2009).…”

Performance, rumen development, and carcass traits of male calves fed starter concentrate with crude glycerin

“…Considering the intake of 700 g day −1 concentrate (Quigley III, 1996;Campos and Lizieire, 2000) to carry out weaning, the calves that received concentrate with 240, 160, 80, and 0 g kg −1 crude glycerin included could have been weaned at 40, 42, 44, and 46 days of age, respectively (Figure 1). This difference is significant when expenses with feeding and labor, milk commercialization, and animal performance are considered (Roth et al, 2009;Hulbert et al, 2011).…”

Relationship between locomotor play of dairy calves and their weight gains and energy intakes around weaning

“…Locomotor play is also reduced at weaning but the correlation between energy intake and locomotor play is variable (Krachun et al, 2010;Sweeney et al, 2010;Rushen and de Passillé, 2012) and the relationship with growth rate is unknown. Adjusting the weaning age of calves according to their individual intakes of solid feed can prevent the drop in energy intake and growth after weaning, but results in greater differences between calves in weight gains (WGs) during and immediately after weaning, and in the age and duration of weaning (Roth et al, 2009;de Passillé and Rushen, 2012). However, it is not known how this method of weaning affects locomotor play.…”