Effect of Steam Processed Barley, Source of Protein and Fat on Intake and Utilization of Starter Rations by Dairy Calves

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Abstract
Holstein calves (144 heifers and 72 bulls) were used to determine how adding tallow or acidulated fatty acids, with or without dehydrated grass, to steamed rolled or steam cooked and flaked barley based rations affected growth and consumption of feed. Means for initial weight, final weight, days on test and rate of gain were 42.4 kg, 115 kg, 105.2 days and 702 g/day. Calves fed the steam cooked and flaked barley rations were on test longer (106.5 vs. 103.9 days) and gained weight more slowly (687 vs. 716 g/day) than calves fed steam rolled barley. Calves fed the starter ration supplemented with acidulated fatty acids required fewer days to reach finishing weight than calves fed either acidulated fatty acids or tallow plus dehydrated grass. Feed conversion was more efficient when the barley rations were supplemented with acidulated fatty acids than when any other supplements were added or barley fed alone. The addition of dehydrated grass to rations containing either tallow or acidulated fatty acids resulted in a less efficient conversion of feed to weight gain than when only the energy sources were added.