TRITICALE IN DIETS FOR YOUNG DAIRY CALVES

Abstract

A study was conducted to compare feed intake and growth rate of young dairy calves receiving two levels of triticale (27.5 and 55% of a complete ration) with calves receiving barley diets supplemented with urea or soybean meal. Effect of pelleting the 55% triticale diet was also examined. Each experimental diet was fed to 10 dairy calves (five bulls and five heifers) from birth. Experimental diets were fed free choice throughout. Triticale (1967 crop) at both levels reduced weight gain and feed intake relative to the control diets; however, there was little effect on feed efficiency. Low levels of ergot contamination of the triticale may have played a role in feed intake depression. Pelleting the 55% triticale diet resulted in reduced feed intake, similar weight gain and increased feed efficiency. Rations containing urea resulted in reduced rumen levels of isobutyric acid.