Effect of Two Methods of Colostrum Feeding on Cow and Calf Performance

Abstract

Managing new born calves is a vital operation in daily farming, as they are going to be the future producers. Failure of passive transfer of immunity has caused around 15% to 25% pre-weaning calf mortality. Colostrum or the first milk is the major source which induces the passive immunity of the newborn animals. Therefore, colostrum feeding plays a crucial role in calf management. Objective of the present study was to identify the best feeding method that helps to improve the optimum calf health and dams' performance under intensive management system. Twelve (n=12) Friesian-Jersey cross bred cows and their calves were randomly selected. They were divided into 2 groups. One group was allowed to suckle maximum voluntary intake of colostrum directly from their mothers while others were fed 4.5 L colostrum milk per day with bottle in 3 times. Calves were weighted at birth and weekly for five weeks. Health conditions of calves were measured daily for five weeks. There was no significant difference in disease score between suckled (3.87±0.64) and bottle fed (3.43±0.64) calves. Also, the weight gain was not significantly different between suckled (1.41 ± 0.18 kg /week) and bottle fed (1.3 ± 0.18 kg /week) calves. It has observed that suckling has a significant effect on milk yield of the cow; 14.06 ± 0.83 1/day for bottle fed and 9.22 ± 0.831/day for suckled cows. In conclusion, the methods of colostrum feeding were not significantly affected on the calves' performance or health parameters, but it has a significant effect on the milk yield of the cow.