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.
