Utilization possibilities of surplus colostrum by acidification with formic acid in rearing calves II. Performance of calves fed acidified colostrum stored at summer ambient temperatures or in a refrigerator
2003
Uzmay, C. | Kaya, I. | Kaya, A. (Ege Univ., Izmir (Turkey). Dept. of Animal Science)
Use of surplus colostrum, which was collected from the first eight milking postpartum, in calf rearing programs was investigated in two trials. In trial 1, 18 Holstein calves were assigned at three days of age to one of two liquid diets consisting of acidified colostrum stored at summer ambient temperatures (ACAT), or acidified milk replacer (AMR). In trial 2 (ACRE), 10 Holstein calves were fed acidified colostrum stored in refrigerator (2 to 4 degree centigrade). When surplus colostrum from their own dam was depleted, calves on ACAT and ACRE were fed acidified whole milk until weaning. Liquid diets were acidified with formic acid at 0.23 % vol. wt-1. Colostrum diets were offered to calves at 9 % of body weight per day and whole milk and milk replacer at 10 % of body weight per day. Liquid diets were fed twice daily. The amounts of liquid diets offered were adjusted weekly according to body weight. Calves were offered pelted starter and water for ad libitum intake throughout the trials. The trials continued for six weeks. All calves were weaned at the end of the fifth week (at 3 7 days of age) and calves received only water and starter during the sixth week of the trials. All calves were housed in individual pens. On an average, surplus colostrum was sufficient to feed calves for 17 days. Refusals of colostrum by calves on ACAT were high due to undesirable fermentation of colostrum. Refusals of liquid diets were minimal for calves on ACRE and AMR throughout the trials. Dry matter intakes from liquid diet and starter were lower for calves on ACAT. Body weight gain was also lower for calves on ACAT. Mean daily gains for calves on AMR, ACAT and ACRE during liquid diet period (3 to 37 days of age) were 463.3, 200.8 and 468.8 g, respectively. Reasons for decreased weight gains on ACAT were reduced intakes of liquid diet and starter and higher incidence of scours. Four calves (three males and one female) on ACAT were treated for scours. Based on feed expenses, cost of 1 kg weight gain during the trials was estimated to be TL 2,935,764 ($1.86), TL 2,967,282 ($1.88) and TL 1,745,220 ($1.10) for calves on AMR, ACAT and ACRE, respectively. If colostrum can be stored conveniently, the use of surplus colostrum will considerably reduce the feed cost.
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