Responses of young calves to low ambient temperatures at two levels of feeding

Abstract

Seven groups of five or six Holstein-Friesian male calves were transported to an experimental farm at 2 to 3 days of age. At 6 days of age, heat production (HP) and metabolizable energy (ME) intake were measured for an 8-day period. During this period, calves were exposed to various ambient temperatures: 6, 9, 12 and 15°C. Ambient temperature was constant within days, but changed between days. Calves were fed below (four groups) or near (three groups) the maintenance requirements (290 or 460 k] ME per kg M 0 ' 75 per day). From 6 to 14 days of age the lower critical temperature (T c ) was 12-5°C and HP increased by 8-4 kj/kg M 0 ' 75 per day per °Cfall in ambient temperature below T c . Both T c and increase in HP below T c were not affected by feeding level. Rectal temperature was lower at low ambient temperatures. The decrease in rectal temperature with ambient temperature was greatest at the low feeding level. During the experimental period, calves were not in a steady-state regarding energy metabolism. Heat production decreased with time. This decrease was affected by feeding level and ambient temperature. After arrival, the influence of both ambient temperature and feeding level on the energy metabolism of young calves increased with time.