Economic analysis of feeding pasteurized nonsaleable milk versus conventional milk replacer to dairy calves.
OBJECTIVE
To determine growth, morbidity, and mortality rates in dairy calves fed pasteurized nonsaleable milk versus commercial milk replacer and compare economics of feeding pasteurized nonsaleable milk versus commercial milk replacer in dairy calves.


METHODS
Clinical trial.


METHODS
438 dairy calves.


METHODS
Calves were assigned at 1 to 2 days of age to be fed pasteurized nonsaleable milk or a commercial milk replacer until weaned. Body weight was measured at the time of study enrollment and at the time of weaning, and any medical treatments administered and deaths that occurred prior to weaning were recorded. A partial budget model was developed to examine the economics of feeding pasteurized nonsaleable milk versus commercial milk replacer.


RESULTS
Calves fed conventional milk replacer had significantly lower rates of gain (-0.12 kg/d [-0.26 lb/d]), lower weaning weights (-5.6 kg [-12.3 lb]), higher risk for treatment during the summer and winter months (odds ratio [OR], 3.99), and higher risk of death during the winter months (OR, 29.81) than did calves fed pasteurized nonsaleable milk. The estimated savings of feeding pasteurized nonsaleable milk, compared with milk replacer, was dollars 0.69/calf per day. The estimated number of calves needed to economically justify the nonsaleable milk pasteurization system was 23 calves/d.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that dairy calves fed pasteurized nonsaleable milk have a higher growth rate and lower morbidity and mortality rates than do calves fed conventional milk replacer. Feeding pasteurized nonsaleable milk could be an economically viable strategy for dairy calf producers.
Godden
Sandra M
SM
Center for Animal Health and Food Safety, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA.
Fetrow
John P
JP
Feirtag
Joellen M
JM
Green
Lorissa R
LR
Wells
Scott J
SJ
D000821:Animal Feed / Q000191:economics; D000824:Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D002417:Cattle / Q000254:growth & development*; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000191:economics / Q000517:prevention & control; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003612:Dairying / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D008892:Milk / Q000191:economics*; D011897:Random Allocation; D012621:Seasons; D015430:Weight Gain