Effect of calf starter substitution in lactating dairy cow concentrate on feed efficiency and feed cost of weaned female Holstein Friesian calves

Abstract

Analyzing feed efficiency and feed cost of weaned female Holstein Friesian (HF) calves fed with lactation cow concentrates with different levels of calf starter substitution was the aim of this study. Four weaned female HF calves (aged 4-5 months, average weight of 101.38 ± 14.21 kg) were used for research material. Feeds were calf starter (CS), lactating dairy cow concentrate (LDCC) and elephant grass. The study used a Latin square design, 4 concentrate treatments, i.e. 75% CS + 25% LDCC (P1), 50% CS + 50% LDCC (P2), 25% CS + 75% LDCC (P3), 100% LDCC (P4); 4 replications in 4 periods (each period in 1 month). The concentrate (in dry matter) was given 1% BW; forage and drinking water were based on ad libitum basis. The research parameters were average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency (FE) and feed cost per gain (FC/G). The data obtained were analyzed using ANOVA. The treatments had no effect on the parameters (p>0.05). Feed efficiency at P2 = 19.77%; P3 = 17.86%; P1 = 16.71% and P4 = 15.92%. Feed cost per gain at P3 = Rp. 29,363/kg ADG; P2 = IDR 30,492/kg ADG; P4 = IDR 30,800/kg ADG and P1 IDR 33,927/kg ADG. The conclusion was that with sufficient quality forage feed, using 100% LDCC to weaned female HF calves could result in FE and FC/G that was similar with the substitution of CS (25-75%) in LDCC.