Effect of Fluid Intake and Dry Matter Concentration on Scours and Water Intake in Calves Fed Once Daily

Abstract

Fifty-four Holstein calves were fed one of nine liquid diets once daily from 3 through 23 days of age. Diets consisted of a milk replacer (22% crude protein, 10% fat) fed at fluid intakes of 6, 8, and 10% body weight and dry matter concentrations of 10, 15, and 20%. Water was offered ad libitum and intake recorded daily. No solid feed was offered during the study. Incidence and duration of scours were recorded. Fluid intake and dry matter concentration affected average daily gain, intakes of dry matter, and total water. Average daily gain ranged from -.19 kg at the lowest dry matter intake (.24 kg/day) to .59 kg at the highest intake (.93 kg/day). Intake of dry matter was the major factor influencing gain. All values increased linearly with increasing intake of fluid or concentration of dry matter. In addition, dry matter concentration also affected incidence and duration of scours and intake of water. Onethird of all calves fed at 10% dry matter developed scours whereas all calves fed at 10% body weight, 20% dry matter scoured. Dry matter concentration was of greater importance in control of scours than was fluid intake. Liquid diets probably should range from 10 to 15% dry matter when fed once daily to calves.