Energized calf milk: is it worth investing in early life nutrition?

Livestock ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 186-193
Author(s):  
Ginny Sherwin ◽  
Georgina Thomas ◽  
Laura Tennant

Research has indicated that daily liveweight gain (DLWG) is a key component of efficient heifer rearing, in terms of reducing age at first calving as well as future production, health and survival. While DLWG is impacted by multiple factors, one of the main factors is milk feeding, with whole milk (WM) having the optimal composition to maximise DLWGs in heifers. Commercial milk replacers (CMR) have been shown to be highly variable in terms of formulation balance, raw material inclusion and nutrient digestibility. Energized calf milk (ECM) has been designed to have a similar osmolality and lower lactose level than whole milk (WM), resulting in a decreased risk of osmotic diarrhoea. ECM has been designed to have a higher fat content than standard CMRs, with increased digestibility and improved solubility of fats as a result of homogenisation and encapsulation of the fats. Higher levels of fat in CMR has been reported to have potential health benefits, increased DLWG and increased future milk yields. One of the downsides of ECM is the higher price per tonne; however combined with the higher feed conversion efficiency of pre-weaned calves, ECM can result in increased DLWG and potentially decreased health issues and therefore the price per kg weight gain can make ECM an economically viable option, before considering the potential longer-term benefits.

1983 ◽  
Vol 63 (2) ◽  
pp. 473-476
Author(s):  
L. J. FISHER ◽  
FRANK VAN MERLE

Thirty-two male Holstein calves, beginning at 1 wk of age, were used to estimate differences in weight gain between two feeding levels and two feeding frequencies over a period of 3 wk. Calves were randomly assigned to one of the following four treatments: whole milk (WM) fed at 10% of body weight (BW) twice a day; WM fed at 10% BW, three times a day; WM fed at 12% of BW, in two feedings per day, or WM fed at 12% of BW, in three feedings per day. Body weight gains and feed conversions were 279 and 437 g per day and 12.02 and 9.51 kg whole milk per kilogram of gain for the 10 and 12% levels of feeding, respectively. There was a trend towards increased rate of gain and improved feed efficiency when calves were fed twice compared to three times a day. Cost of medication was not influenced by level or frequency of feeding. It was concluded from this study that feeding whole milk at 12% of body weight was preferable to feeding at the 10% level of intake. Key words: Milk feeding, level, frequency, dairy calves


2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 33-43
Author(s):  
BK Roy ◽  
NR Sarker ◽  
MK Alam ◽  
KS Huque

A study was conducted with objectives to determine the comparative growth performance of calves fed shoti, wheat and soybean based milk replacers and their economics. To achieve the objectives, a total of 24 local calves of about 6-10 days of age were selected and divided in four groups; having six (6) calves in each. A limited suckling with feeding whole milk considered as control (To), suckling along with feeding of wheat, shoti and soybean based milk replacer considered as treatments and denoted as T1, T2 and T3, respectively. Results obtained in the present study revealed that, the total DM, OM and CP intake did not differ significantly (p>0.05) among the treatment groups. However, calves in T2 group sucked significantly (p<0.01) higher milk or milk DM compared to milk sucked by calves in T0, T1 and T3, respectively. No significant differences (p>0.05) was observed in average daily weight gain (ADG) of calves among the treatment groups. The feed conversion efficiency (FCR) was relatively better (p>0.05) in calves those fed shoti and soybean based MR compared to calves fed wheat and control diets. The overall levels of both glucose and BUN did not differ significantly (p>0.05) in calves under different treatment groups. The total cost of per kg wheat (T1), shoti (T2) and Soybean (T3) based MR were Tk. 52.69, Tk. 94.45 and Tk. 51.11, respectively. The processing cost per kg MR was increased Tk. 41.00-43.00 in T2 group than that of T1 and T3 groups. The feeding cost per calf per day was reduced Tk. 88.93.00 Tk. 57.87 and Tk. 82.55 in T1, T2 and T3, respectively than that of T0 group. Results considering for both FCR and per day feeding cost, it indicates that T2 and T3 diets i.e, shoti and soybean based MR maintained growth of calves compared to wheat based MR and milk fed calves.Bangladesh J. of Livestock Res. 19(1-2): 33-43, Jan-Dec 2012


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 74-79
Author(s):  
Ahmed Elbaz ◽  
Said El-sheikh

Objective: To investigate the effect of antibiotics and/or probiotics on broiler performance, some serum metabolites, cecum microflora composition, and ileum histomorphology under the Egyptian conditions. Design: Randomized controlled experimental study. Animals: Two hundred forty 1-day-old Ross (308) chicks were reared till 35 days of age. Procedures: The birds were randomly allocated into four main groups: a control diet without additives (CON); probiotic (Lactobacillus acidophilus) supplemented diet (PRO); antibiotic (Avilamycin) supplemented diet (ANT) and a mix group (AP) that received antibiotic in the diet form 1 to 4 days of age and treated during the rest of the experimental period with probiotics. Results: Chickens fed on probiotic or antibiotic diets had linear improvement in live body weight (LBW) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared with the control group, while the best LBW and FCR were in the AP group. An improvement in the nutrient digestibility was observed in the probiotic added groups (PRO and AP). Serum cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol contents decreased when antimicrobial (probiotic or antibiotic) supplementations were used, while there was an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol contents, serum total protein, and albumin levels. Among all groups, cecum Clostridium perfringens and Escherichia coli counts decreased; however, there was an increase in Lactobacillus count compared to the control group. In probiotic supplemented groups (PRO and AP), a significant (P<0.05) improvement in ilea architecture. Conclusion and clinical relevance: Using probiotic after initial treatment with an antibiotic in broiler diets had a positive effect on broiler growth performance, gut health (improved cecum microbial populations and ileum histomorphology), and nutrient digestibility.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Czech ◽  
Eugeniusz Ryszard Grela ◽  
Martyna Kiesz

AbstractThe aim of the study was to assess the effect of fermented dried soybean (FSBM) and/or fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM) in diets for weaned piglets on production results, nutrient digestibility, gastrointestinal tract histology, and the composition of the gut microbiota. Piglets in the control group received standard diets with soybean meal. Animals in all experimental groups received diets in which a portion of the soybean meal was replaced: in group FR—8% FRSM; in group FR/FS—6% FRSM and 2% FSBM; in group FS/FR—2% FRSM and 6% FSBM and in group FS—8% FSBM. The use of 8% FRSM or 6% FRSM and 2% FSBM in the piglet diets had a positive effect on average daily gains. Piglets from the FR and FR/FS groups had the highest feed conversion rate. Group FS/FR and FS piglets had significantly lower mortality and lower incidence of diarrhoea. Piglets fed a diet with the fermented components, in particular with 8% FRSM or 6% FRSM and 2% FSBM, exhibited a positive effect on the microbiological composition and histology of intestines, which resulted in improved nutrient digestibility coefficients (ATTD and AID).


Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 643
Author(s):  
Franciele C. N. Giacobbo ◽  
Cinthia Eyng ◽  
Ricardo V. Nunes ◽  
Cleison de Souza ◽  
Levy V. Teixeira ◽  
...  

We evaluated the influence of enzymatic supplementation on the growth performance and cecal microbiota of broilers. A total of 2160 1-day-old male chicks were used in a 3 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement (three corn hybrids, two drying temperatures −80 and 110 °C, with or without the inclusion of an enzymatic blend (amylase, xylanase, and protease) (20 birds/pen, n = 9). For all performance and digestibility parameters, we observed, in general, isolated effects of the corn hybrids and drying temperature. Birds that received the enzymatic blend in the diet showed better weight gain from 1 to 21 days (d) and better digestibility coefficients of nutrients at 42 d. Birds fed diets with corn dried at 80 °C showed a better feed conversion ratio from 1 to 42 d. At 21 d of age, enzymatic supplementation had positive effects on jejunum morphology. Enzyme supplementation increased the abundance of the phylum Tenericutes, class Bacilli and Mollicutes, reduced Clostridia, and increased the abundances of the families Lactobacillaceae, Anaeroplasmataceae, and O_RF39;F. In conclusion, the addition of amylase, xylanase, and protease led to a better nutrient digestibility, performance, and intestinal morphology. In addition, enzyme supplementation changed the diversity, composition, and predicted function of the cecal microbiota at d 21.


2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 893-906 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.M. Abd El-Tawab ◽  
I.M.I. Youssef ◽  
H.A. Bakr ◽  
G.C. Fthenakis ◽  
N.D. Giadinis

AbstractSmall ruminants represent an important economic source in small farm systems and agriculture. Feed is the main component of livestock farming, which has gained special attention to improve animal performance. Many studies have been done to improve feed utilisation through addition of feed additives. For a long period, antibiotics have been widely used as growth promoters in livestock diets. Due to their ban in many countries, search for alternative feed additives has been intensified. Probiotics are one of these alternatives recognised to be safe to the animals. Use of probiotics in small ruminant nutrition has been confirmed to improve animal health, productivity and immunity. Probiotics improved growth performance through enhancing of rumen microbial ecosystem, nutrient digestibility and feed conversion rate. Moreover, probiotics have been reported to stabilise rumen pH, increase volatile fatty acids production and to stimulate lactic acid utilising protozoa, resulting in a highly efficient rumen function. Furthermore, use of probiotics has been found to increase milk production and can reduce incidence of neonatal diarrhea and mortality. However, actual mechanisms through which probiotics exert these functions are not known. Since research on application of probiotics in small ruminants is scarce, the present review attempts to discuss the potential roles of this class of feed additives on productive performance and health status of these animals.


1969 ◽  
Vol 52 (5) ◽  
pp. 687-688 ◽  
Author(s):  
B.M. Colvin ◽  
R.A. Lowe ◽  
H.A. Ramsey
Keyword(s):  

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 419-427 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noel A Claffey ◽  
Alan G Fahey ◽  
Vasiliki Gkarane ◽  
Aidan P Moloney ◽  
Frank J Monahan ◽  
...  

Abstract Rations (DM basis) for spring-born male lambs consisting of concentrates ad libitum (CON), 50:50 (50% concentrate:50% forage), and forage ad libitum (FORG) were evaluated across feeding periods of three durations (36, 54, and 72 d). Lambs on CON diets were offered ad libitum access to concentrate along with 400 g of fresh weight silage (daily), while 50:50 diets were offered 0.9 and 3.0 kg of concentrate and silage, respectively. Lambs on FORG were offered ad libitum access to 25.5% DM silage. These rations were fed to 99 spring-born male Texel cross Scottish Blackface lambs which were assigned to a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement. Lambs were slaughtered following completion of their respective treatments. Lambs fed CON diets had greater ADG, FCE, and carcass weight (P &lt; 0.001) and carcasses with greater conformation score (P &lt; 0.001) than lambs fed 50:50 or FORG diets. Duration of feeding had no effect on production variables across all three concentrate inclusion levels. It was concluded that the inclusion of concentrates is needed to adequately finish lambs fed indoors. Feeding lamb’s 50:50 diets resulted in modest responses and may be a viable option for finishing lambs or to maintain growth in lambs when the cost of concentrate feed is high relative to the financial return on the lamb meat.


2015 ◽  
Vol 98 (1) ◽  
pp. 349-356 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.J. Kiezebrink ◽  
A.M. Edwards ◽  
T.C. Wright ◽  
J.P. Cant ◽  
V.R. Osborne

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 104-111
Author(s):  
O. A. Abu ◽  
O. H. Amusa ◽  
R. O. Atoyebi ◽  
R. A. Kehinde ◽  
F. C. Nworgu

A total of fifty 3-4 weeks old albino rats of the Wistar strain weighing 50-60g were randomly allocated to five dietary treatments in a completely randomized block design to investigate the growth performance and nutrient digestibility of the rats fed diets containing processed dehulled jack bean. Five diets were formulated to contain casein (T1)-control diet, dehulled jack bean soaked in filtrate obtained from raw pap(T2), dehulled jack bean soaked in lye solution (T3), dehulled jack bean boiled for 15minutes (T4) while a protein free diet served as a negative control (T5). The experiment lasted for 28-days.Dehulled jack bean significantly (P>0.05) influenced the growth parameters measured for the Wistar rats. Rats on control diets had the highest value for all the growth indices, feed intake (210.90g), final body weight (103.40g), body weight changes (41.90g), feed conversion ratio (5.10) and protein efficiency ratio (1.41). Rats on T2 (soaked in ‘ogi’ liquor) had feed intake value of (147.40g), followed by rats on T4 (boiled for 15minutes) (117.00g), T5 (negative control) (119.07) and T3 (soaked in lye solution) (79.40g) respectively. Rats on T4 had the highest value for final body weight (67.80g), body weight changes (6.30g), feed conversion ratio (12.27) and protein efficiency ratio (0.25) while rats on T3 had the lowest value for final body weight (67.80g), body weight changes (-32.45g), total feed intake (79.40g) with FCR of (-0.96) for the tested diets. Wistar rats placed on lye treated diet had depressed body weight changes of 59.8% compared to the control. Digestibility studies however showed that rats on control diets had the highest digestibility value of DM and other nutrients, while there was no significant (P<0.05) difference in digestibility value of CF, significant (P>0.05) differences existed in DM, digestibility value of CP, EE and Ash. Rats on T3 and T5 had the lowest digestibility value for Ash (11.48) and CP (37.66). Rats fed dehulled jack bean seed soaked in ogi liquor and boiled for 15minutes showed slight improvement in growth performance and nutrient utilization over those fed lye soaked jack bean. All the processing methods were ineffective when compared to the performance of rat fed casein based diets.


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