Evaluation of calf starters containing different amounts of crude protein for growth of Holstein calves.
Holstein calves (n = 110) were used to evaluate the effect of calf starters containing 15, 16.8, 19.6, or 22.4% CP, DM basis (diets A, B, C, and D, respectively), on calf performance from d 4 to 56 of life. Preweaning daily gain tended to increase linearly as protein content of diets increased, averaging .37, .39, .38, and .44 kg/d for diets A, B, C, and D, respectively. After weaning, calves fed diet C gained the most (.86 versus .71, .75, and .79 kg/d for A, B, and D, respectively). Overall BW gains from d 4 to 56 averaged .54, .56, .62, and .61 kg/d for A, B, C, and D, respectively. Throughout the experiment, starter consumption tended to increase as CP content of diet increased. Under these conditions, maximum growth was supported by diet C (19.6% CP); no advantage was gained from higher (22.4%) protein content. Calf growth was moderate when calf starters of lower protein contents (15 or 16.8%) were fed.
Akayezu
J M
JM
Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108.
Linn
J G
JG
Otterby
D E
DE
Hansen
W P
WP
Johnson
D G
DG
D000375:Aging; D000821:Animal Feed; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle / Q000254:growth & development*; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002149:Energy Intake; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D014886:Weaning; D015430:Weight Gain
D004044:Dietary Proteins