Abstract #221

# 221
Effects of colostrum and milk intake on future performance in dairy calves.
Katherine M. Kelly*1, Donna M. Amaral-Phillips1, Jeffery M. Bewley1, 1University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY.

The first 56 d of a calf’s life are critical for improving future milk production. Doubling birth weight within the first 56 d increases future milk production. Colostrum harvested from the mother within 10 h after calving loses 27% of IgG (Jaster, 2004). Consuming 4 L of colostrum compared with 2 L improves average daily gain (ADG), which has a direct effect on milk production (Soberan et al., 2012). Insulin found in colostrum affects gut absorption and growth (Van Amburgh et al., 2011). Without immunity from colostrum, calves that are given antibiotics, due to illness, are 2.5 times more likely to die within the first 2 years of life (Soberan et al., 2012). Milk intake also affects ADG. Calf metabolizable energy (ME) requirement is about 2.34 Mcal/d for a 50 kg calf, to support maintenance. Conventional feeding systems provide the calf with reduced amounts of milk so the calf will began eating calf starter sooner. Conventional feeding systems provide the calf with enough ME for maintenance (Drackley, 2011). Higher intakes of whole milk provide the calf with enough dietary fat to support maintenance and growth (Van Amburgh, 2011). Increased growth increases milk production in Holstein calves during their first lactation and decreases age at first breeding (Khan et al., 2010). Through increased colostrum and milk intakes, milk yields and production life can be increased.

Key Words: calf performance, colostrum, milk intake