Dry Matter Intake and Feed Conversion Efficiency of Pure Jersey Calves Reared on Two Whole Milk Feeding Systems

Abstract

Setting economically better level of milk for calves rearing is essential in dairy farming. The objective of this study was to evaluate feed intake, growth and feed conversion efficiency of pure Jersey calves at Adea Berga Research Station, Ethiopia. A study on rearing Jersey calves (males and females), utilizing two systems of whole milk feeding was conducted on 29 calves. Calves were fed colostrums from birth up to 4 days of age and assigned to either Holeta Research Center feeding standard set for crossbred calves (feeding 260 litres whole milk per calf from birth up to weaning) as Treatment 1, and 10% calf body weight level as Treatment 2. Calf starter and hay) were offered from two weeks of age. Daily whole milk consumption, feed intake and fortnightly body weights were recorded. Feed samples were collected and analyzed for chemical compositions. Data were analyzed using SAS version 9, 2004. Calves in Treatment1 consumed higher amount of whole milk during early life than those in Treatment 2. However, Calves in Treatment 2 consumed higher amount of whole milk than calves in Treatment 1 after seven weeks of age. Daily dry matter intake of calves was higher for calves reared under Treatment 2. Calves reared under Treatment 2 had higher growth rate starting at 7 weeks of age. Calves in Treatment 2 attained significantly (P<0.05) higher body weight at 6th months of age as compared to calves in Treatment 1. Calves in Treatment 2 had higher feed conversion efficiency (gain: feed) than calves in Treatment1. Thus it can be noted that for better growth performance of Jersey calves, feeding whole milk at the rate of 10% body weight is recommended.