Responses of Calves to Open-Pail and Nipple-Pail Systems of Milk Feeding

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Open-pail and nipple-feeder systems of feeding milk to calves were compared. In Trial I, 27 pairs of female calves representing Holstein, Guernsey and Jersey breeds were used in comparisons starting at 4 days of age and extending through 175 days. Except for system of milk feeding, all calves were subjected to the same treatments. Amounts of milk fed daily were approximately 7% of body weight initially, increasing to 10% by the age of 14 days and remaining at this rate until 56 days. Thereafter, the level of intake remained constant. Systems of milk feeding effected no difference in observed health, physical appearance and weight gains. In a preliminary study, Trial II, of 28 days, the 2 systems of consuming milk were compared at increased levels of intake. Seven calves were fed whole milk at restricted rates ranging from 13.7% to 18.5% of body weight and 7 received unrestricted amounts in each of 2 daily feedings. Incidence and persistence of diarrhea were somewhat greater in calves fed from open pails than in those fed from nipple feeders, but the weight gains were similar. Further study of calves under various conditions of stress is needed in evaluation of the 2 systems of liquid feeding.