Responses of Calves Fed Fermented or Acidified Colostrum

Abstract

One hundred twenty-five dairy calves at three locations (A, B, C) were fed cow's milk, fermented colostrum, or acid-treated colostrum. Propionic, acetic, or formic acid was added to the unfermented colostrum at 1.0, .7, or .3% by weight at A, B, and C. Calves weighing less than 31.8, 31.8 to 45.4, and over 45.4 kg received 2.73, 3.18, and 3.64 kg milk or diluted colostrum daily. Grain and water were offered ad libitum. Calves were weaned at 28 days of age. Calves fed fermented colostrum at location A consumed less starter during the 15 to 28 day period than did calves fed milk. At location C, calves fed fermented colostrum gained less weight from 15 to 28 days than those fed milk or acidified colostrum. Some calves fed acetic acid-treated colostrum required 2 days to reach desired consumption. Acidified colostrum within each location contained more total solids and less nonprotein nitrogen after prolonged storage than fermented colostrum. Fermented colostrum stored at summer ambient temperatures contained less total solids, more nonprotein nitrogen, increased titratable acidity, and increased distillable acidity than colostrum fermented during winter. Whey protein and casein did not vary between fermented and acid-treated colostrum. Health problems were minimal for all treatments. © 1977, American Dairy Science Association. All rights reserved.