Abstract

OLIVEIRA, D.P. de et al. Performance of dairy calves suckling fed hay. Arch. zootec. [online]. 2013, vol.62, n.239, pp.357-367. ISSN 1885-4494.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S0004-05922013000300004.

The experiment aimed to evaluate the influence of time of supply of hay in the performance of dairy calves Girolando breed submitted to early weaning at 90 days of life. Sixteen sucking calves were distributed in a completely randomized design. The diets tested were: T1- Concentrate; T2- Concentrate plus hay supplied at 15^o day of life; T3- Concentrate plus hay supplied at 30^o day of life; T4- Concentrate plus hay supplied at 60^o day of life. An alfalfa (Medicago sativa) hay was offered without any grinding. All animals received 4 liters of milk daily, plus water and concentrate ad libitum. Concentrate was available from the 10^o day of life. The observed variables were the initial (birth) and weaning body weights; daily weight gain, heights at withers and rump; thoracic perimeter; intake of the dry matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fiber; and feed:gain ratio were also measured. A diet containing only concentrate provided similar performance to diets containing ration plus hay. However, the diet containing ration plus hay from the 15^o day of life provided the best ratio revenue/cost.

Keywords : Dairy cattle; Early weaning; Roughages.

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