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Evaluation of Imposing a Weekly Fast on Calves Receiving a Milk Replacer Diet Once and Twice Daily: Protein and Energy Utilization¹

Departments of Poultry Science, of Nutrition, and of Animal Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

ABSTRACT

Twenty-four male Holstein calves were in a 2 X 2 factorial experiment to investigate the effects of feeding frequency (once or twice daily) and of imposing a weekly fast (with of without a 39-hour weekly fast) from birth to 125 kg body weight. Weight gain, protein and energy utilization, and various carcass parameters were measured. There were no significant effects of treatments on rate of gain, digestible protein, and digestible energy used per kilogram gain. Fasting 39 hours per week resulted in significantly (P < .01) reduced nitrogen retention per kilocalorie digestible energy intake.

The carcass parameters measured were not significantly affected by the feeding regime with the exception of a greater (P < 0.1) longissimus dorsi area for the non-fasted calves. There were trends for increased weights of the gastrointestinal tract and liver of the fasted calves. The rates of lean, bone and fat deposition of the non-fasted calves fed twice daily were greater than those on the other treatments.

¹ This investigation was supported in part by a National Research Council of Canada Grant.