Effect of Feeding Methods on Veal Production and Carcass Quality. I. Rate of Gain, Stomach Capacity, Vitamin A, Iron and Hemoglobin Values

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Abstract
Four methods of feeding veal calves, liberal whole milk with and without iron and copper, limited whole milk-hay-calf starter, and milk replacerhay-starter were compared. Data are presented on 82 calves. The calves fed whole milk liberally as the sole diet made the most rapid gains and had higher live grades than those fed a milk replacer or limited whole milk ration. The average daily gains of all lots were higher than the Beltsville Growth Standard. The weight of the stomach was significantly greater for the whole milk fed lot than for the whole milk supplemented with iron and copper lot, but for both it was lighter than for the other two lots. The rumen-reticulum capacity as percent of total stomach capacity was smaller in the whole milk fed lots. Hay and grain feeding stimulated stomach development, and resulted in more capacity in the rumen-reticulum at 6 weeks of age. The main difference between the unsupplemented whole milk lot and the lot receiving iron and copper supplement was the significant increase in iron of the liver and blood hemoglobin. It appears that the light pink color of the meat which is considered desirable in milk fed veal calves results from anemia. Copyright © . .