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Growth of Holstein and Jersey Calves in Response to Four Feeding Programs in a Breed-by-Ration Interaction Study¹

Department of Animal Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

ABSTRACT

The interaction and response of Holstein and Jersey calves to two quantities of whole milk and two simple calf starters with and without hay were measured. Sixty-four heifer calves in a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial arrangement were observed from 3 days to 24 weeks of age for feed intake and body weight, heart girth, and wither height gains. Following 3 days of colostrum feeding, calves received either 84 or 150 kg of milk plus free-choice grass-legume hay and one of two starters. The hay starter included 20% grass-legume hay and starters were replaced by grower at 16 weeks of age. Feed intake, rates of gain, and feed efficiency were superior for the Holstein calves. Starter intake was higher at the lower milk and also for calves receiving hay starter (P 0.01). No significant differences were observed in growth rates of calves between milk levels or starters. Feed efficiency as total digestible nutrients per kilogram body weight gain was superior for calves fed the high milk. There was no evidence for significant interaction between breeds and rations for body weight gain, wither height change, or feed efficiency. A significant breed by milk interaction was observed for heart girth change.

¹ This research was supported in part by the Ontario Department of Agriculture and Food.