Effect of weaning weight on growth performance, feed efficiency and behavioral characteristics of Holstein-Friesian and Brown Swiss calves

Authors

  • Rıdvan Koçyiğit Ataturk University
  • Veysel Fatih Özdemir Ataturk University
  • Mete Yanar Ataturk University
  • Recep Aydın Ataturk University
  • Olcay Güler Ataturk University
  • Abdulkerim Diler Ataturk University
  • Mehmet Akif Aydın Ataturk University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.rccp.v36n4a1

Keywords:

behavior, Brown Swiss, cattle, dairy calves, feed efficiency, feeding cost, growth performance, Holstein, weaning weights

Abstract

Background: Farm profitability depends on raising healthy calves, which rests on successful feeding and management programs. Objective: To determine the effects of weaning weight on growth performance, feed efficiency, behavioral traits, as well as feeding cost of Holstein-Friesian and Brown Swiss calves. Methods: Sixty-seven newborn dairy calves were allocated into four weaning-weight groups [60 kg (n=18), 65 kg (n=19), 70 kg (n=18) and 75 kg (n=12)]. Body weights (BW) and measurements were recorded at birth, weaning, and four months of age. An instantaneous sampling method was used to collect behavioral data. Results: Daily weight gain of Brown Swiss calves was higher than Holsteins between weaning and four months of age (p<0.05). During pre-weaning, daily weight gain of calves weaned at 60 kg was lower than the other three groups (p<0.05). Feed efficiency of Holstein-Friesian was higher than Brown Swiss calves in the period between birth and four months of age (p<0.05). Chest depth of calves weaned at 60 kg was (p<0.05) lower compared to the other groups. Water drinking behavior during the pre-weaning period was notably higher in calves weaned at 75 kg (p<0.05). Conclusions: Our results suggest that dairy calves can be weaned at 60 kg of BW without detrimental effects on performance, and their feed cost per kg weight gain is significantly lower compared to higher weaning weights.

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Author Biographies

Rıdvan Koçyiğit, Ataturk University

Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Ataturk University, Erzurum, TÜRKİYE
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9979-0804

Veysel Fatih Özdemir, Ataturk University

Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Ataturk University, Erzurum, TÜRKİYE
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3035-7695

Mete Yanar, Ataturk University

Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Ataturk University, Erzurum, TÜRKİYE
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5311-5675

Recep Aydın, Ataturk University

Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Ataturk University, Erzurum, TÜRKİYE
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9319-9319

Olcay Güler, Ataturk University

Department of Laboratory and Veterinary Health, Vocational School of Hınıs, Ataturk University, Erzurum, TÜRKİYE
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6953-3786

Abdulkerim Diler, Ataturk University

Department of Plant and Animal Sciences, Vocational School of Technical Sciences, Ataturk University, Erzurum, TÜRKİYE
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7958-6179

Mehmet Akif Aydın, Ataturk University

Food and Livestock Application and Research Centre, Ataturk University, Erzurum, TÜRKİYE
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6238-018X

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Published

2022-12-21

How to Cite

Koçyiğit, R., Özdemir, V. F., Yanar, M., Aydın, R., Güler, O., Diler, A., & Aydın, M. A. (2022). Effect of weaning weight on growth performance, feed efficiency and behavioral characteristics of Holstein-Friesian and Brown Swiss calves. Revista Colombiana De Ciencias Pecuarias, 36(4), 161–171. https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.rccp.v36n4a1

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