Abstract

A recent trial at Harper Adams University College compared the progress of two groups of Holstein Friesian and Continental x calves on different milk feeding systems – one group fed once a day and the other twice a day.

The calves, aged between two and three weeks, were offered 600g of a skim milk, buttermilk-based milk replacer with adlib access to starter pellets, straw and water at all times.

The once-a-day fed (OAD) calves were weaned five days earlier and were 7.8kg heavier at 12 weeks compared to the calves fed twice-a-day (TAD).