Effect of Choice Feeding in the Pre-weaning Period on the Growth Performance of Calves during the Pre- and Post-weaning Periods

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of choice feeding in the pre-weaning period on the growth performance of calves during the pre- and post-weaning period. It is possible that high Crude protein (CP) intake during the pre-weaning period may improve post-weaning performance of calves. Currently, there is insufficient data available on the effect of pre-weaning feeding method on post-weaning performance of calves; therefore the aim of this study was to examine the effect of choice feeding on growth performance of calves during the pre and post-weaning period.

Results: Twenty eight male and 28 female Holstein calves were assigned to two different feeding systems. After weaning calves were fed with the same Total Mixed Ration (TMR) (50% calf grower + 50% alfalfa hay). Prior to weaning, choice-fed calves preferred the diet containing lower alfalfa and barley, and higher wheat bran and soybean meal (P<0.01). Choice feeding increased nutrient intake (protein and fiber) and daily weight gain (P < 0.05). The Metabolisable Energy (ME), Crude Protein (CP), Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) and Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF) contents of the diets selected by choice calves were 2.60 Mcal/kg, 29.24%, 27.18% and 12.01%, respectively. The TMR contained 2.23 Mcal/kg ME, 17.94% CP, 24.99% NDF and 11.85% ADF. Results show that calves choose their diet may meet their nutritional requirement and gain more weight.

Conclusions: In this study choice fed calves had higher daily weight gain during the pre-weaning, but not post-weaning, period. Furthermore, high preference for protein may have the long term effects on performance of young calves. It is therefore necessary to investigate the effect of early dietary preference of calves on their adult performance.