EFFECTS OF TYPE OF LIQUID FEED AND FEEDING FREQUENCY ON CALF PERFORMANCE

ABSTRACT The effects of liquid feed and feeding frequency on concentrate mixture intake, rumen fermentation and rearing performance were investigated in 24 bull calves divided into 2 groups, receiving milk or milk-replacer once or three times a day. VFA concentration was estimated in the rumen fluid at 36 and 90 days of age. The liquid feed did not influence the concentrate intake (P>0.05). The calves receiving milk were characterized by the higher concentration of butyric acid in the rumen fluid (P≤0.02) and higher daily weight gains (P≤0.02) compared with those fed milk-replacer. The increasing feeding frequency during the period from 7 to 36 days of age was reflected in the lower daily intake of concentrate mixture (P=0.02). KEY WORDS: calves, liquid feed, feeding frequency, performance INTRODUCTION The changes in milk-replacer formulas led to the replacement of dried skim milk with plant products, which in nonruminant calves decrease nutrient utilization (Montagne et al., 2003). The negative effects on performance of calves is also exerted by the once daily feeding system (Strzetelski et al., 2001). When the daily diet is divided into more portions calves are characterized by the homeostasis of blood metabolites, which is beneficial for calf’s growth (Kaufhold et al., 2000). The effects of liquid feed composition and frequency of feeding on the rearing performance of calves are not really recognized.