The effect of neomycin inclusion in milk replacer on the health, growth, and performance of male Holstein calves during preweaning

Abstract One hundred and eight Holstein calves (225 ± 1.1 kg and 187 ± 5.2 d) were used to evaluate the physiological and performance recovery after 14 h transportation or feed restriction. Calves were distributed into 6 pens (2 pens/treatment) according to control (CTR, n = 36) calves with ad libitum access to concentrate, straw and water; restricted (RES, n = 36) calves with concentrate restriction but with access to water and straw for 14 h; and transported (TRA, n = 36) calves that were loaded into a trailer and transported without feed or water for 14 h. On days 0, 7, 21, and 35 BW was recorded. Concentrate intake were recorded daily. Blood samples for non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), and serum amyloid-A (SAA) were collected at -24, -14, 0 h, and 6, 24, and 168 h post-treatment. Data were analyzed using mixed models with repeated measures. At 24 h, RES and TRA had greater (P < 0.05) concentrate intake compared with CTR. However, from d 7 to 35 after treatments, only TRA had similar concentrate intake than CTR, while RES had lesser (P < 0.05) concentrate intake than CTR and TRA. RES at 6 h had greater (P < 0.05) NEFA concentrations than TRA, and NEFA concentrations were still higher for the RES and TRA groups than those for the CTR after 24 h. After 24 h concentrations of serum BHBA for TRA and RES were significantly greater (P < 0.05) when compared with those for the CTR. Serum concentration of SAA for TRA and RES was greater (P < 0.05) than CTR until 168 h. Results showed similar effects of 14 h of feed restriction and transportation of calves on serum anorexia and inflammation parameters; however, feed intake was recovered after d 35 in transported calves but not in feed restricted calves without transportation.

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Decoquinate, lasalocid and monensin for starter feeds and the performance of holstein calves to 20 weeks of age

Scientia Agricola ◽

10.1590/s0103-90162002000300002 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 59 (3) ◽

pp. 421-426 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Carla Maris Bittar Nussio ◽

John Tal Huber ◽

Luiz Gustavo Nussio

Keyword(s):

Dry Matter ◽

Dry Matter Intake ◽

Milk Replacer ◽

Dairy Herds ◽

Free Access ◽

Hot Climate ◽

Calf Performance ◽

Access To Water ◽

Holstein Calves ◽

Ad Libitum

The large utilization of coccidiostats in dairy herds has raised the question regards the best product to use, based on better animal performance. Sixty-four Holstein calves were randomly assigned to four treatments at 10 (±4) d of age to evaluate calf performance when fed approved coccidiostats available on the market in Arizona, USA. Calves received a dry calf starter without (control) or with one of the following coccidiostats: lasalocid, 30 mg kg-1; decoquinate, 19 mg kg-1; and monensin, 30 mg kg-1. Calves received 3.6 kg d-1 of a commercial 22% CP:20% fat milk replacer until 6 wk of age. Calves were offered starter "ad libitum" up to 2 kg d-1, and calves had free access to water throughout the trial. Alfalfa hay was offered "ad libitum" after weaning. Performance and dry matter intake (DMI) were monitored for 20 weeks and broken down in different periods of measurement (0-6, 7-12 and 13-20 weeks, respectively). Despite the lower dry matter intake and weight gain for females on monensin treatment during the whole period, differences among coccidiostats were seldom observed under the conditions of this study. Good calf management and the dry, hot climate of Arizona perhaps diminished the chances for subclinical and chronic disease appearance which negated potential differences and differences in calf performances.

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