Higher ADG and body weight for the calves fed a higher plane of nutrition

development, traditional dairy calf management programs have restricted the amount of liquid feed pre-weaning to about 10% of birth weight.[1] However, current research is focusing more on the effects of elevating the plane of nutrition for pre-weaned dairy calves. By increasing the volume of liquid fed pre-weaning to about 20% of birth body weight, the results have been higher average daily gains (ADG)[2], earlier pubertal onset and higher milk production over multiple lactations[3], and decreased signs of hunger.[4] However, it is thought that this higher plane of nutrition, which is offered on most commercial dairy farms in two meals per day, may pose some unwanted long-term effects for calf metabolism and digestion, particularly in terms of insulin sensitivity.[5] In “Effect of plane of milk replacer intake and age on glucose and insulin kinetics and abomasal emptying in female Holstein Friesian dairy calves fed twice daily,” MacPherson, et al.[6] examine any potential unwanted effects on insulin sensitivity that feeding higher planes of nutrition twice-a-day could have, and if any effects would persist once calves are weaned. They also examine the effect of higher planes of nutrition on the speed of abomasal emptying and what this could mean for blood glucose levels.