The effect of level of milk intake on growth rate and herbage intake of Friesian bull calves of high and low breeding index

X-J. Wang, I.M. Brookes, G.F. Wilson

Animal Science Department, Massey University, Palmerston North

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1985, 45: 103-106

Eight Friesian bull calves from high breeding index (HBI) parents (mean BI=134) and 8 from low breeding index (LBI) parents (mean BI=104) were allocated to 1 of 2 levels of milk intake from 3 weeks of age until weaning at 7.5 weeks of age. The calves were then grazed at pasture and weighed at 21 to 25 weeks of age.

LM calves consumed more herbage organic matter (OM) both before (P<0.01) and for 3 weeks after (P<0.05) weaning. Increasing daily milk intake by 1 litre decreased daily herbage OM intake by 0.11 kg. The total DE intake from 3 weeks to 10.5 weeks of age did not differ significantly between treatments.

HM calves grew faster (P<0.05) than LM calves in the pre-weaning period, but no differences were observed from them on. At no stage were significant differences observed in calf live weights between milk treatment groups.

There were significant differences in growth rate or herbage intake between BI groups, nor any significant interactions between BI and levels of milk intake.

Keywords: NZSAPAB; Calves; breeding index; milk; feeding level; pasture; live- weight gain; Friesian; bulls; voluntary intake

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Last Updated 03-05-1997