Feeding Cholesterol and Tallow in Liquid Diets to Veal Calves

Abstract

Thirty-six Holstein bull calves were raised to 16 wk on five liquid diets containing skim milk plus either 3.5% milk fat, 3.5% tallow, 3.5% tallow and .2% cholesterol, 7.0% tallow, or 7.0% tallow and .2% cholesterol. Diets were fed at 10% of body weight by nipple pail to preserve the esophageal groove reflex. Intakes of dry matter, gains of body weight, and feed refusals were greater for calves fed 7.0% tallow. Concentrations of lipid and cholesterol in blood plasma increased markedly (2 to 3 times) in calves fed cholesterol. Thyroxine and triiodothyronine concentrations in plasma were highest in calves showing the most growth response. Weight of liver was elevated both by feeding high tallow and by feeding cholesterol. Liver fat was elevated more by feeding .2% cholesterol than by doubling dietary fat. Yield of trimmed veal was 14% greater when diets included cholesterol and 7.0% tallow or 7.0% tallow than when they were 3.5% tallow or milk fat. Feeding liquid tallow can be successful in veal production when ingredient costs are advantageous. Economics of ingredient selection is discussed. Further research utilizing different concentrations of tallow and higher intake is needed. © 1980, American Dairy Science Association. All rights reserved.