The Effects of Restricted and Ad Libitum Milk Feeding on Growth and Health of Calves

Authors : İbrahim Öztop, Serkan Özkaya

Pages : 1033-1044

Doi:10.33462/jotaf.1404962

View : 49 | Download : 47

Publication Date : 2024-09-20

Article Type : Research

Abstract :In recent years, there has been a growing concern among consumers regarding animal welfare and their requirements, leading to an increased interest in exploring new approaches to calf rearing. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of milk feeding levels on the growth, feed intake, and blood variables of group-raised calves during the suckling period. Ten Holstein calves, 5 in each group, were used in the study when they were five years old. The calves were acclimated to an automated feeder during the initial 19 days of the experiment, and their initial LWs were recorded after weighing them again. The study concluded upon weaning the calves when they were sixty years old, with a total duration of 36 days The calves in the first group (G1) were provided with a total of 4 L/day of milk replacer, divided into 2 L servings in the morning and evening. Conversely, calves in the second group (G2) were allowed a maximum intake of 12 L/day of milk replacer, mimicking the natural sucking behaviour, with feedings in the morning (05:00-08:00), midday (10:00-13:00), and evening (16:00-20:00). Despite no significant differences in the LW, total and daily LW gains, and body measurements averages between of the groups, calves in G1 consumed more starter feed compared to those in G2 (P<0.05). There was a non-significant improvement in feed efficiency in favor of calves in G2. Additionally, significant increases were noted in serum glucose concentrations among the biochemical variables in G2 (P<0.05). Furthermore, hematological blood variables, including haemoglobin, haematocrit, and erythrocyte values, tended to increase in calves in G2. However, there was no significant effect of milk feeding levels observed on oxidative stress, antioxidative defense mechanisms and immune response. In conclusion, the results from this study suggest that the amount of milk feeding does not exert a significant effect on the growth and health of the calves during the milk-feeding period.
Keywords : Buzağı, Gelişim, Sağlık, Süt içirme miktarı