FURTHER STUDIES ON RAISING DAIRY CALVES WITH LIMITED AMOUNTS OF MILK

Abstract

Ninety-four Holstein heifer calves were used in five experiments to study the effects of different rates and methods of feeding whole milk on body growth rate.Calves fed whole milk at a rate of 8 pounds per head daily until 4 weeks old and none thereafter made as rapid growth to 16 and 52 weeks of age as those fed milk at a rate of 10 per cent of body weight. Calves weaned from milk abruptly when 4 weeks old grew as fast thereafter as calves receiving the same total quantity of milk but weaned gradually. Inoculation of calves with cuds at frequent intervals did not increase rate of body gain.Calves that received 6 pounds of whole milk daily until 4 weeks old and none thereafter gained as well as those that received 8 pounds of whole milk until 4 weeks old or those that received 6 pounds of whole milk daily until 8 weeks old. The inclusion of 10 per cent skim milk powder in place of linseed oilmeal in the starter did not improve gains.