ESTIMACIÓN DEL COSTO DE ALIMENTACIÓN DE BECERRAS HOLSTEIN LACTANTES

The implementation of calves feeding programs is one of the ways to achieve greater efficiency in dairy production. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cost of feeding milk-fed Holstein calves. In addition to analyze their development and effectiveness up to the weaning stage. Sixty calves were randomly selected, separated from their dams at birth and individually housed in wooden cages previously washed and disinfected. The treatments were as follows: T1 = 6L for 57 days, T2 = 6L for 50 days, T3 = 6L for 45 days of life. The variables considered to evaluate productivity from birth to weaning were weight and withers height, daily gain and total weight gain. Daily weight gain was calculated by dividing total weight gain by the number of days in lactation. Feed consumption was measured during the entire lactation of the animals. For the economic analysis, the price of milk and the cost of starter concentrate were considered. Statistical analysis of the variables was performed by analysis of variance and comparison of means was performed by a Tukey test. The value of P ≤ 0.05 was used to consider statistical difference. No statistical differences (P ≤ 0.05) were observed for the variables evaluated; withers height, birth to weaning weight, daily gain and total weight gain. Regarding feed consumption, a statistical difference (P ≤ 0.001) was observed in favor of treatment T3, where feed cost was cheaper, but it was also the most efficient; treatment T1, was the most expensive and the least efficient. Considering the above, greater growth is achieved in calves receiving less milk and consuming more starter.