HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Lynch, G. P. Articles by Bond, J. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Lynch, G. P. Articles by Bond, J.

Relationship of Lactose to Nitrogen Metabolism of Artificially Reared Beef Calves

Ruminant Nutrition Laboratory, Animal Science Institute, US Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705

ABSTRACT

The purpose was to study the relationship of lactose to nitrogen metabolism of artificially-reared beef calves. Calves from 35 market heifers were fed whole milk at 12% of body weight daily to 14 days and then at 8% of body weight to 28 days. An 18.3% crude protein dry diet was fed for ad libitum consumption on days 1 to 28. For days 29 to 84, nine calves were assigned to each of three treatments: A) 60:40 grain:hay dry diet, B) 60:40 grain diet with liquid lactose fed separately, and C) 60:40 dry diet containing dried lactose.

During days 1 to 28, body weights were not reduced. Calves compensated for reduction of whole milk intake by increasing their intakes of dry diet. -Glutamyl transferase and urea nitrogen in blood serum were reduced when milk intake was decreased. Beef calves can be adapted to early weaning and artificial rearing if started soon after birth.

Lactose treatments decreased dry matter intakes and vitamin E in blood, but body weights were not different. Feed conversion was improved; nitrogen balance and urinary nitrogen excretion were decreased by liquid lactose. Urea nitrogen in blood was related to nitrogen balance. Liquid lactose increased serum alkaline phosphatase and serum glucose. The role of liquid lactose was to supply adequate energy for improved utilization of retained nitrogen.