Utilization of fermented and formaldehyde preserved colostrum for calf feeding

Abstract

Thirty Holstein calves were used to study the viability of utilization of naturally fermented of formaldehyde preserved colostrum through intake, growth, feed conversion and scouring incidence. Calves were alloted in a completely random design at 4 days of age to 1) milk replacer diet; 2) naturally fermented colostrum; 3) formaldehyde preserved colostrum. All calves were offered add libitum, 18% crude protein calf stater and Pennisetum olandestinum hay (19,8% protein). Average daily intake, gain and feed conversion at weaning (35 days of age) for treatments 1, 2 and 3 were respectively 0.820 kg, 0.281 kg, 3.27; 0.796 kg, 0.396 kg, 2.23; 0.750 kg, 0.28A kg and 3-13. From weaning to 26 weeks of age, average daily gains were 0.655, 0.605 and 0.533 kg. Four calves scouring (diharrea) on mi 1k, replacer diet and two on each colostrum diet. Results indicated that both, naturally fermented and formaldehyde preserved colostrum are excellents substitutes feeds for whole milk or milk replacer. In spite of no significative difference between both colostrum feeding systems, naturally fermented colostrum seems to be more advantageous than formaldehyde preserved colostrum by presenting easy prepartion and best utilization.