Performance and behavior of dairy calves fed diets containing milk and citric flavor agents

Abstract

While young ruminants prefer milk aroma and researches about this theme are being developed, the use of citric aroma, very appetized for older ruminants, are low utilized to young animals. This work aims to compare the influence of milk and citric flavor agents on the diets of nursing dairy calves. In this trial, 12 animals of Holstein breed were distributed in a randomized block design with four treatments (concentrate without flavor agent, concentrate with milk flavor or citrus flavor, and concentrate with milk plus citrus flavor agent) and three repetitions. The parameters evaluated were: concentrate dry matter intake (CDMI), hay dry matter (HDMI), milk dry matter intake (MDMI) and total dry matter intake (TDMI), average weight gain (ADWG), feed conversion (FC), initial (IBW) and final body weight (FBW), initial thoracic perimeter (ITP) and final thoracic perimeter (FTP), initial abdominal perimeter (IAP) and final abdominal perimeter (FAP), initial withers height (IWH) and final withers height (FWH) and animal behavior. The CDMI, HDMI and TDMI, as well as IBW, FBW, ITP, FTP, IAP, FAP, IWH and FWH did not show differences (P>0.05). The averages daily gain and feed conversion showed no differences, with means of 0.55 kg/animal and 2.09, respectively. The diets did not affect animal behavior parameters (P>0.05).Index terms: Dry matter intake, palatability, performance, behavior, flavour. RESUMOEnquanto ruminantes jovens preferem aroma de leite e pesquisas sobre este tema são desenvolvidas, o uso de aroma cítrico, muito apreciado por ruminantes adultos, é pouco utilizado para animais jovens. Portanto, com este trabalho visou-se comparar a influência de aromas lácteo e cítrico nas dietas de bezerros na fase de aleitamento. Neste experimento foram utilizados 12 animais da raça Holandesa, distribuídos em um delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com quarto tratamentos (concentrado sem palatabilizante e concentrado com palatabilizante lácteo, cítrico e lácteo mais cítrico) e três repetições. Foram avaliados o consumo de matéria seca do concentrado (CMSC), do feno (CMSF), do leite (CMSL) e do total (CMST), ganho médio diário (GMD), conversão alimentar (CA), peso inicial (PI) e final (PF), perímetro torácico inicial (PTI) e final (PTF), perímetro abdominal inicial (PAI) e final (PAF), altura de cernelha inicial (ACI) e final (ACF) e o comportamento animal. O CMSC, CMSF e CMST não apresentaram diferenças da mesma forma que as mensurações de PI, PF, PTI, PTF, PAI, PAF, ACI e ACF. O ganho médio diário e a conversão alimentar não foram diferentes, obtendo-se médias de 0,55 kg/animal e 2,09, respectivamente. As dietas também não influenciaram os parâmetros de comportamento animal (P>0,05).Termos para indexação: Consumo de matéria seca, palatabilidade, desempenho, comportamento, flavorizantes.

Acceptance of flavored concentrate premixes by young ruminants following a short-term exposure

“…In experiment 2, calves did not demonstrate a specific preference for any of the flavors tested even though their concentration in FCP was lowered. This is in agreement with a study by Carlotto et al (2007) designed to evaluate performance and behavior of dairy calves fed different flavor agents, where it was reported that addition of milky or citric flavor did not influence the amount of consumed feed or the feeding behavior of calves. Erickson et al (2012) also did not find any effect on feed intake when kelp was added to a calf starter, and the authors related their results to an aversion toward the umami taste that is contained in kelp.…”

The effects of a medical plant mix and probiotic on performance and health status of suckling Holstein calves

“…Soltan (2009) reported that essential oils (mint and Eucalyptus) mixture supplementation at different levels in milk replacer for calves had no effect on daily body weight gain when compared to the control. Carlotto et al (2006) observed that essential oil had no significant effect on average daily gain of calves during different weeks of experiment. Fathi et al (2009) reported that addition of vanilla in calf starter feed, increased daily weight gain in Holstein calves.…”

Effect of supplementation of calf starter with fennel powder on performance, weaning age and fermentation characteristics in Holstein dairy calves

“…Carlotto et al. () reported that the influence of flavour on feed intake was related to a high quality basal diet (20% CP and 80% total digestible TDN) and the presence of alfalfa in the diet. Fathi et al.…”

“…Cardozo et al (2006) reported that adding fennel essential oil to the diet increased both starter and total DM intakes. Carlotto et al (2006) reported that the influence of flavour on feed intake was related to a high quality basal diet (20% CP and 80% total digestible TDN) and the presence of alfalfa in the diet. Fathi et al (2009) reported the flavoured diet increased starter intake, daily gain and dry matter intake significantly (p < 0.05).…”