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The Effect of Aureomycin Supplementation on Growth and Feed Utilization of Young Dairy Calves^1,2

Iowa Agricultural Experiment Station, Ames

ABSTRACT

In experiment I, 4-day-old dairy calves were divided into four comparable groups and subsequently were fed hay, a concentrate mixture and a limited amount of either whole milk (groups I and II) or reconstituted skimmilk (groups III and IV) for a 16-wk. period. The skimmilk was reconstituted so as to be approximately equivalent in caloric content to the whole milk. Bach calf in groups II and IV was fed a daily supplement of 80 mg. aureomycin hydrochloride in the milk via nipple pail.

The aureomycin-fed calves exhibited weight gains that were significantly greater statistically than those of the non-supplemented animals. Conversely, type of milk had no significant effect on rate of gain. The supplemented calves consumed more feed and utilized the feed more efficiently (less TDN per pound weight gain) than the unsupplemented animals. Although incidence of diarrhea was lower among aureomycin-fed calves, the improved growth could not be attributed solely to this factor. Condition of haircoat of the supplemented animals was superior.

In experiment II, two groups of calves (groups V and VI) were restricted to skimmilk diets for an 8-wk. period beginning at 4 days of age and during a subsequent 8-wk. period were fed skimmilk, hay and a concentrate mixture. Calves in group VI received aureomycin at the same rate as those in groups II and IV.

Periodic urine, f eces and blood collections and analyses during the restricted dietary period indicated slightly greater efficiency of "utilization" of the various nutrients (carbohydrates, nitrogen, ash and ether extract) by aureomycin-fed calves than by non-supplemented animals but the differences were not significant statistically. Moreover, there were no differences between the two groups in weight gains during the period when the restricted diet was fed.

Blood glucose values for the calves on the restricted dietary regime declined sharply during the period between 2 and 5 wk. of age, despite a qualitative constancy of the diet.

¹ Journal paper no. J-2108 of the Iowa Agricultural Experiment Station, Ames. Project no. 814.

² Supported in part through funds provided by Western Condensing Co., Appleton, Wis.

³ Present address: Department of Animal Industry, North Carolina State College, Raleigh.