Response to ad libitum milk allowance by crossbred dairy and dairy-beef calves in an automated feeding system

Abstract The objective of this study was to compare 3-breed rotational crossbred calves sired by Holstein, Jersey, Montbéliarde, Normande, Viking Red, and Limousin bulls with Holstein fed a high milk allowance for growth, consumption, health scores, profitability in an automated group feeding system. Breed groups were (n = 16), crossbreds Red 24), 6), beef x dairy 45) calves. Calves randomly assigned within breed one two treatments from September 2019 June 2020 at the University Minnesota West Central Research Outreach Center Morris, MN. 5 balanced across treatment groups. Treatment 8 L/d (8L) or ad libitum (AL) allowance, introduced feeder d weaned 56 d. Milk behaviors (drinking speeds) collected automatic system analyzed Body weights recorded birth weekly through weaning. Health scores twice/wk. Variables included statistical model analyses fixed effects birthweight, season birth, group, group. AL had greater weaning weight (P 0.001; 106.4 kg versus 91.4 kg) 0.001) average daily gain (ADG; 1.11 kg/d 0.87 kg/d) than 8L, respectively. (1,064 ml/min) slower drinking speed 0.01) 8L (1,467 ml/min). Most not different ADG Daily consumption per calf lower 0.009) compared As expected, higher cost ($189.52) ($140.71). similar ($2.89/kg) ($3.00/kg) Overall, least ($152.75) ($175.67) ($177.13). results found that although resulted calves, there may be economic advantage costs if increased growth rates are realized.