Effects of different starch composition in calf starters: Calf performance and some blood parameters

Calf starter feeds are commonly use in the field by the dairy cattle producers. In this trial the aim is to evaluate the calf starter feeds effects on calf performance and certain blood parameters. In the trial the source of calf starter feeds is corn and the starter feeds strach concentration is respectly; 25%, 30%, 35%. Calf starters formulated that isonitrogenic and isoenergetic. In the trail sixty holstein calves seperate three group, each group has twenty calves. Calves were seperated from their mothers within 30 min. of birth and moved into individual pens. They were fed colostrum for the first three days by the plastic nipples. From the fourth day, for every calves offered ad libitum calf starter feeds and water. Also 4 L calf replacer was offered by two meals for each day. Every day in the morning calf starters consumption was measured and recorded. Calves body weight and body measurements (body length, body barrel, heart girt, wither heigt and hip height) at birth, at weaning and sixty days of life. Blood samples were collected for analyze of blood urea N, blood total protein and blood glucose at wk 2, 4 and weaning. Feed intake of the calves before weaning and after weaning were similiar between different feeds but 35% starch concentration feeds are consumed less than the others. Body measurements and growth of the calves were systatistically similiar. But for the calves which are consumed 30% starch concentartion feeds has more body weight. Fort he blood glucose levels, calves which are consumed 35% starch concentarations has high bloos glucose levels. Blood urea N were similiar within the group were similiar but by the increasing of the age urea levels were increased. Blood total protein levels were similiar within the feeds groups. In the trial blood and perfomance parameters were systatistically similiar at two months age. In conclusion 0-2 months ages calves haven't affected by the different strach concentration of calf starter feeds. There has no significant differences on blood parameters, performances, dry matter intakes.