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Complete Rations for Holstein Calves 8 to 18 Weeks of Age¹

Department of Dairy and Animal Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802

ABSTRACT

Thirty-two Holstein calves were fed four complete rations from 8 to 18 wk of age differing in composition, roughage, and form. The control contained chopped hay as roughage source and was fed loose. Ration 2 was identical to control but was reground and pelleted. Ration 3 was based on corn silage, and 4 was a commercial pellet. All diets were palatable and were consumed satisfactorily. Intake of dry matter was least on corn silage, largest on the commercial ration. Apparent digestibility of protein was highest for Ration 4, that of energy higher for Rations 3 and 4 than for hay-based diets. All weight gains were excellent, averaging .93, .99, .89, and 1.10 kg/day with gains by animals fed the commercial product exceeding those on Rations 1 and 3. Efficiency of conversion of dry matter or digestible energy was greatest on pelleted diets. Blood was analyzed for packed cell volume, glucose in plasma, b-hydroxybutyrate, acetate, and propionate at ages 13 and 17 wk. Differences from ration and sampling age were not great except for variations in acetate and propionate at 13 wk.

¹ Authorized for publication on May 1, 1978 as Paper No. 5509 in the Journal Series of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Experiment Station.