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Effect of Monosodium Glutamate in Starter Rations on Feed Consumption and Performance of Early Weaned Calves^1,2,

Department of Animal Science, Washington State University, Pullman 99163

ABSTRACT

In a feed preference or acceptability trial 12 dairy calves offered a choice of a complete starter (18% crude protein and 20% ground suncured alfalfa) with 0 or 0.2% monosodium glutamate and weaned at three weeks, consumed more 0.2% glutamate starter each week and cumulatively from three to nine weeks of age than they did starter without glutamate. Differences in weekly starter consumption were significant (P < 0.05) only from three to seven weeks. During the 10th to 12th week many calves rejected rations containing the glutamate. Total consumption of each starter by the calves from birth to 84 days was not significantly different.

In a growth trial 10 calves weaned at four weeks and fed 0.2% glutamate starter ate slightly, but not significantly (P > 0.05), more feed weekly from birth to six weeks than 10 calves fed the same starter without glutamate. Slight differences in starter consumption from birth to four weeks were reflected in less weight loss the week after weaning by calves eating the glutamate ration than by those receiving the control starter. Differences in daily gain and feed efficiency from glutamate in the starter were negligible.

¹ This study was supported in part by a Grant from the Bioferm Division of International Minerals and Chemical Corporation, Skokie, Illinois.

² Part of these data were taken from a thesis presented by the junior author to the Graduate School of Washington State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the M.S. Degree.

³ Present address: Canada Department of Agriculture, Agassiz, British Columbia.

⁴ Present address: Linden, Washington.