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The effect of milk feeding frequency on weight, height traits and some blood parameters of Holstein veal calves
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Malihe Abasi Sardaabadi   , Hamid Reza Mohammadi * |
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Abstract: (1366 Views) |
Introduction: This experiment was then performed to investigate the effect of increasing the feeding frequency, on physiological parameters and physical characteristics of Holstein calves.
Materials & methods: In this study, fourty eight 5-day-old calves were selected and classified in a completely randomized design into 4 groups with 12 calves in each. The experimental groups included the single meal, the two-meal (as a control group) the three-meal and the four-meal group, respectively. Thus, the amount of daily milk consumption was divided into the mentioned meals and given to the calves. From day 5 to day 14, the calves had 6 liters of milk per day in two meals and access to 1500 grams of starter. This test started from day 14 after birth and continued until day 65. The milk consumption of calves was divided into the number of meals specified in each treatment, but the feed consumed per day was considered the same for every groups. Daily consumption was weighed at 7:00 a.m. and given to the calves individually. Weight and height of calves were measured firstly at day 5 and then every 20 days interval (5, 25 and 65 days). During the period, blood samples were taken on specific days to assess the blood glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol and total protein.
Results: The results of this experiment showed that mean weight and height in two treatments that received their milk in three or four times, on days 45 and 65 were higher than other groups (p>0.05). Increasing the feeding frequency had no significant effect on the concentration of blood glucose, total protein and lipids of calves on days 5, 14 and 65 of the experiment (p>0.05). Concludingly changing the calves feeding frequency can reduce the incidence of deaths and diseases.
Conclusion: Based on this, it seems that changing the milking pattern of calves can lead to an increase in the growth of calves due to more frequent milking in cattle farms. |
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| Keywords: Milk feeding frequency, Weight, Height traits, Blood parameters, Veal calves |
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Full-Text [PDF 841 kb]
(478 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
General
Received: 2025/08/23 | Accepted: 2025/10/2 | Published: 2025/10/2
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