title: Short communication: Effects of increasing protein and energy in the milk replacer with or without direct-fed microbial supplementation on growth and performance of preweaned Holstein calves.
abstract: Forty-four Holstein calves were fed a direct-fed microbial (DFM) and 1 of 2 milk replacers to evaluate calf performance and growth. Treatments were (1) a control milk replacer [22:20; 22% crude protein (CP) and 20% fat], (2) an accelerated milk replacer (27:10; 27% CP and 10% fat), (3) the control milk replacer with added DFM (22:20+D), and (4) the accelerated milk replacer with added DFM (27:10+D). Dry matter intake, rectal temperatures, respiration scores and rates, and fecal scores were collected daily. Body weight, hip and withers height, heart girth, blood, and rumen fluid samples were collected weekly. Effects of treatment, sex, week, and their interactions were analyzed. Calves fed an accelerated milk replacer, regardless of DFM supplementation, consumed more CP and metabolizable energy in the milk replacer. No treatment differences were found for starter intake or intake of neutral detergent fiber or acid detergent fiber in the starter. Calves fed the accelerated milk replacer had greater preweaning and weaning body weight compared with calves fed the control milk replacer. Average daily gain was greater during the preweaning period for calves fed the accelerated milk replacer, but the same pattern did not hold true during the postweaning period. Feed efficiency did not differ among treatments. Hip height tended to be and withers height and heart girth were greater at weaning for calves fed the accelerated milk replacer compared with calves fed the control milk replacer. Fecal scores were greatest in calves fed DFM. Overall acetate, propionate, butyrate, and n-valerate concentrations were lower in calves fed the accelerated milk replacer, but DFM did not have an effect. Rumen pH was not different. Blood metabolites were unaffected by DFM supplementation, but calves fed the accelerated milk replacer had increased partial pressure of CO2, bicarbonate, and total bicarbonate in the blood. Direct-fed microbial supplementation did not appear to benefit the calf in this trial.
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State 39762.
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Geiger
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State 39762. Electronic address: srhill@ads.msstate.edu.
authors.forename: S H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Ward
authors.affiliation: School of Animal Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge 70803.
authors.forename: C C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State 39762.
authors.forename: B J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Rude
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State 39762.
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Cabrera
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State 39762.
authors.forename: K N
authors.initials: KN
authors.lastname: Kalestch
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State 39762.
authors.forename: B E
authors.initials: BE
authors.lastname: Voelz
mesh_terms: D000821:Animal Feed / Q000032:analysis; D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight; D002417:Cattle / Q000254:growth & development*; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004435:Eating; D002149:Energy Intake; D005243:Feces; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D008892:Milk; D019936:Probiotics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012417:Rumen; D014886:Weaning
chemical_list: D004044:Dietary Proteins
keywords: dairy calf; direct-fed microbial; milk replacer