Sour Colostrum Dilutions Compared to Whole Milk for Calves

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Abstract
Two trials with Holstein calves compared various dilutions of sour colostrum with whole milk fed to weaning at 5 wk. Colostral milk was collected for the first 6 milkings postpartum, allowed to ferment naturally, and stored for an average of 10.5 days before feeding. In trial 1, 59 calves were assigned to 1 of 4 treatments: 1) 3.63 kg whole milk offered once daily, 2) 1.81 kg sour colostrum and 1.81 kg water offered once daily, 3) treatment 2 offered in 2 equal portions, and 4) 2.72 kg sour colostrum and .9 kg water offered as in 3. Calves fed whole milk gained more weight than calves fed 1.81 kg sour colostrum for 0-5 wk. After weaning, growth was not different. Four of 11 calves assigned to 4 refused the diet, and no further assignments were made. Calves fed 2.72 kg sour colostrum scoured less than those fed whole milk or 1.81 kg sour colostrum twice daily. In trial 2, 20 calves were fed whole milk offered at 10% of birth weight once daily, or 2 parts sour colostrum to 1 part water. Calves fed whole milk gained more and also scoured more than calves fed sour colostrum. Average daily gains to weaning for calves fed sour colostrum in trial 2 were comparable to gains of calves fed whole milk in trial 1 (.32 kg/day and .31 kg/day).
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