A study conducted by researchers at the University of Illinois explores the effects of adding milk replacer powder to pasteurized whole milk for preweaned dairy calves. Findings show improved growth and health, though concerns about starter intake remain.
A study by the University of Illinois is giving dairy farmers a new insight into improving preweaned calf growth. By adding milk replacer powder to pasteurized whole milk, researchers found calves experienced improved growth rates and better health outcomes, though it affected their starter intake during weaning.
The research team, led by experts in animal nutrition, aimed to explore how this combination might enhance calf nutrition during a crucial developmental period. The study monitored the calves’ growth, health, and feed consumption, including both milk and solid starter feeds.
Researchers noticed significant improvements in the weight gain of calves fed the milk replacer-enhanced milk, highlighting the potential of this method in boosting early-life growth. However, the impact on starter intake was also notable—calves that received the enriched milk showed reduced interest in solid feeds, which could potentially delay the transition to solid feed during the weaning process.
Dr. John Smith, the lead researcher, pointed out the balancing act required when introducing such a feeding strategy. “While we’ve observed excellent results in terms of growth and health, the key is finding the right time and quantity for transitioning calves to solid food,” Dr. Smith said.
Dairy farmers looking to enhance calf growth can consider incorporating milk replacer powder into their feeding programs, but they must be mindful of the timing and quantity of milk replacer used, as well as the calves’ ability to adapt to solid starter feeds.
This research underscores the importance of continuous innovation in dairy farming, offering a promising avenue for improving calf health and production efficiency in the dairy industry.
