Evaluation of Hays for Early Weaned Calves

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  • 離乳子牛に対する給与乾草の評価
  • リニュウ コウシ ニ タイスル キュウヨ カンソウ ノ ヒョウカ

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Abstract

Orchardgrass 1st cut hay, orchardgrass 2nd cut hay and cubed alfalfa hay were evaluated on the basis of energy and nitrogen balances of early weaned calves. Twelve Holstein male calves were randomly allocated to equal three groups and treated as follows: concentrate plus orchardgrass 1st cut hay (group O-1), concentrate plus orchardgrass 2 nd cut hay (group O-2) and concentrate plus cubed alfalfa hay (group A). Limited amounts of concentrate were offered with hay ad libitum from 3 weeks of age. Calves were weaned at 6 weeks of age. Energy and nitrogen balances were measured at 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 17, 21 and 25 weeks of age. Following results were obtained: 1) Calves of group O-1 consumed slightly less hay than others. 2) Live weight gains, metabolizabilities of dietary energy and efficiencies of dietary nitrogen retention did not significantly differ among three groups. 3) Amounts of nitrogen retained and nitrogen excreted in urine were the largest for group A and followed by group O-2 and O-1. 4) Ratios of methane energy to gross energy were higher for group O-1 than others. 5) Improving nitrogen utilization in a ration would be required for calves fed orchardgrass 2 nd cut hay or cubed alfalfa hay as roughage. Feeding with the 1st cut hay would give more efficient calf performance provided protein was adequately supplemented in a ration.

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