Effect of protein levels on Kedah-Kelantan heifers during pregnancy and lactation II. Effect on calf growth performance
Lee, K.C.T and C. Devendra
Abstract
Paper II reports the effect of protein levels in the diets of dams on calf growth performance. Five increasing levels of 12,15,18, 21 and 24 percent of crude protein were fed. The sixth treatment contains 18% crude protein but has no urea and only soybean as a protein source. Twenty five calves were weaned after a period of 6 months. After parturition, the calves were kept together with the dams to allow for colustrum feeding. On the fifth day, they were separated and the calves were allowed to suckle twice a day. Grass and water were assessible to the calves all throughout the experimental period. Live weight was taken weekly and body measurements every fortnightly. No significant differences were found between treatments. An average liveweight increase of 332.2 g/day was found and the calves reached an average weaning weight of 73.0 kg. in 6 months. Highly significant correlations were found between the body measurements of calves and their liveweight. The implications of these findings were discussed.
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