Effect of milk intake and weaning strategy on measures of calf performance and feed utilization in group-housed Jersey calves

Authors

  • L. Michels Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55455
  • S. Godden Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55455
  • J. Ranum Carleton College, Northfield, MN 55057
  • W. Knauer Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55455
  • J. Fetrow Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55455
  • R. Chebel Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55455

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20143737

Keywords:

milk intake, weaning strategy, group-housing, preweaned, calves, rumen

Abstract

Increased milk intake in the preweaning period has been associated with improved rate of gain, improved health, reduced age at first calving and improved first lactation milk production. However, feeding higher levels of milk may slow starter pellet intake, delaying rumen adaptation, which can result in reduced rate of gain and impaired health in the post-weaning period. The study objective was to describe the effect of milk feeding rate and weaning strategy on measures of growth, health, feed intake, feed efficiency and economics in group-housed preweaned Jersey calves.

Cover image of the 47th Conference Proceedings: An image of a herd of cattle in a field at dusk. Three cows are standing in the foreground, looking adorable. Yellow background.

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Published

2014-09-18

Issue

2014

Section

Research Summaries 4

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