Effects of feeding milk replacer at a moderate rate, ad libitum, or with a step-up program on Holstein calf growth performance to 4 months of age

The objective of this study was to evaluate 3 milk replacer (MR) feeding programs on calf performance 4 mo age. Male Holstein calves (n = 48; 2–3 d old) were randomly assigned either a moderate rate MR (MOD; 0.66 kg/d for 39 d, then 0.33 d), an ad libitum (ADLIB; offered twice daily between 0630 and 0830 h 1430 1630 35 or step-up (STEPUP; increased from 0.32 0.62 in first 12 27 d). (25% CP, 18% fat) fed once thereafter. During the nursery phase (0–56 housed individual pens textured starter (40% starch, 21% CP DM basis) water libitum. Calf body weight (BW) measured initially weekly Hip widths (HW) every 2 wk In grower phase, (57–112 grouped by previous treatment moved group (4 calves/pen). same used blended with 5% chopped grass hay BW HW 56, 84, 112. Total intake per averaged 27, 51, 25 kg MOD, ADLIB, STEPUP programs, respectively, range 42 63 ADLIB. feed efficiency less ADLIB versus whereas fecal scores abnormal score days greater MOD. Calves had lesser average gain than initial though final not different MOD STEPUP. previously gain, efficiency, change study, lower when libitum, growth advantages observed at lost