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Responses of Calves to Open-Pail and Nipple-Pail Systems of Milk Feeding¹

Department of Dairy Science, South Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station, Clemson

ABSTRACT

The open-pail and the nipple-feeder systems of feeding milk to calves were compared in two studies. In Trial I, 27 pairs of female calves representing the Holstein, Guernsey, and Jersey breeds were used in comparisons starting at four days of age and extending through 175 days. Except for system of milk feeding, all calves were subjected to the same treatments followed in calf husbandry. The amounts of milk fed daily were approximately 7% of body weight initially, increasing to 10% by the age of 14 days and remaining at this rate until 56 days. Thereafter, the level of intake remained constant. The system of milk feeding effected no difference in observed health, physical appearance, and weight gains. In a preliminary study, Trial II, of 28 days, the two systems of consuming milk were compared at increased levels of intake. Seven calves were fed whole milk at restricted rates ranging from 13.7 to 18.5% of body weight and seven received unrestricted amounts in each of two daily feedings. The incidence and the persistence of diarrhea were somewhat greater in calves fed from open pails than in those fed from nipple feeders, but weight gains were similar. These preliminary observations indicate that further study of calves under various conditions of stress is needed to evaluate the two systems of liquid feeding.

¹ Technical contribution no. 674, South Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina. Published by permission of the Director.

² Present address: Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University at Raleigh.

³ Professor Emeritus.

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