Effects of Housing, Milk Feeding Management, and Ration Formulation on Calf Growth and Feed Intake

Abstract

Three housing systems for calves were compared in two experiments, 1) bedded pens in a closed barn, 2) outdoor movable pens, and 3) elevated, slatted floor pens with a semiautomated manure flushing system. No differences in growth rates due to housing system or interactions with rations or milk feeding systems were significant. In Experiment 1, 115 calves were fed a mixture of whole milk and colostrum either once or twice daily and weaned at 28 days of age. Growth and feed intake to 84 days did not differ. A basic corn-soybean meal plus supplement ration was compared to rations similar except for addition of 15% cottonseed hulls, 30% citrus pulp, or both. Addition of 15% cottonseed hulls resulted in greater weight gains, 30% citrus pulp less, and the other two intermediate. Experiment-2 calves (62) were fed either whole milk and colostrum or mastitic milk. No differences in weight gains were significant. The ration of 15% cottonseed hulls fed in Experiment 1 was compared with 5 and 25% hulls. No differences in growth were detected, but intake increased with added hulls. Since housing system and feeding frequency had no detectable effects on growth or survival rates, other factors should enter into selection of the program. Further, when economically feasible, use of cottonseed hulls seems indicated.