engleski

Productive and economic effects of whole milk in feeding of calves

Taking into consideration the fact that calves in intensive breeding are fed different types of liquid feed, programmed to different quantities, in a different period of time, the aim of this study was to determine the productive, health and economic importance of feeding calves of different age with whole milk. Research was carried out on 30 Holstein calves, divided into three groups. The trial period reffered to the period from birth to 60 days of age. The first group calves consumed milk until the 30th day of age, the second group until 20th day of age and the third group until the 10th day of age. Proposed technological solutions in feeding calves were analyzed through monitoring of basic fattening indicators and frequency of diarrhea appearance, as well as calculation of costs per kg of weight gain. Statistical results of body mass, daily gain, and conversion of liquid feed during the first month of the experiments showed the best values in the first group which was significantly (P<0.01) compared to other two groups. The smallest number of diarrhea appearance was in the group I (6), group II had 9 and group III even 12 diarrhea appears. All of that proved that in comparison to milk replacers, whole milk had better productive and economic effects on nutritional and health status of calves. Refering to the cost of feed (milk and milk replacer) and total gain of calves, the lowest price was obtained in group I, being 29% less than in group II and 58% less than in group III. It can be concluded that feeding of calves with whole milk during their first month of age is cost effective.

calves ; feeding ; whole milk ; milk replacer

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