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Relative Growth and Appearance of Young Dairy Calves Fed Two Levels of Milk with a Simple or Complex Calf Starter

Department of Animal Husbandry, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York

ABSTRACT

One hundred and sixty Holstein heifer calves were used on a 7-wk. factorial growth experiment to compare 350 vs. 250 lb. of whole milk and a simple vs. a complex dry calf starter. The experiments were conducted during a fall and summer season with calves housed in four calf units, consisting of pens and tie stalls. Calves consuming 350 lb. of whole milk gained 1.20 lb. per day, which was significantly (P < 0.01) greater that the 1.12 lb. per day for the 250-lb. group. Starter consumption was significantly greater for the 250-lb. group. There was no difference between starters in either consumption or gain. The TDN content of both starters was 69%. Rate of gain was less for the fall season. The tie stalls were less desirable in terms of gain during the colder months. Ninety-six per cent of the calves which gained over 1 lb. per day were thrifty and smoothly fleshed. This gain is proposed as a practical minimum for Holstein heifers to 7 wk. of age. Eighty per cent of the calves on the 350-lb. milk level and 72% of those on the 250-lb. level achieved this rate of gain. The 250-lb. milk simple starter system was the least expensive, due primarily to the lower cost of the milk required.