Effects of a Self-Fed Pelleted Mixture of Hay and Calf Starter on the Performance of Young Dairy Calves

Abstract

Newborn calves fed milk and a self-fed pelleted (.95-cm die) mixture of three parts calf starter and one part ground suncured alfalfa hay consumed significantly more feed and gained more weight than calves fed milk, starter, and hay separately in the conventional manner. Results were similar when the experiment was repeated with a .48-cm pellet; calves preferred the pellet having the smaller diameter. In a third experiment the self-fed pelleted mixture containing 22% protein was compared with one containing 18% protein. Calves receiving the 22% protein mixture gained more than those receiving the 18% protein mixture. There was no difference between groups in feed intake. © 1973, American Dairy Science Association. All rights reserved.