Effects of milk fat substitution by soybean fat on the calves growth

Abstract

The effects on calf performance of two sources of fat (milk fat and hydrogenated soybean oil) were studied in a series of eleven experiments. Twenty male holstein calves were used in a randomized block design with 10 replications. The experimental periods lasted from the 13th to the 89th days after birth. There were two treatments: hydrogenated soybean oil added to reconstituted powdered skim milk and reconstituted whole powdered milk. In addition to the liquid diets the animals were offered a commercial starter (24.4% crude protein), alfalfa hay (18,5% crude protein) and mineral mix. The results showed no difference on the overall body development between the two treatments. The average daily weight gains during the first month ranged from 146g to 327 g, and from 384g to 944 g during the remaining of the experimental period. The dry matter and protein intakes were somewhat higher than those recommended by NRC whereas the TDN was similar to the values published by the NRC. The measurements on wither height and hearth girth were of little aid to evaluate calf growth weekly.