Long-term development of the oxidative status in growing Holstein heifers depending on early postnatal feeding with transition milk or milk replacer

In this study, the long-term effects of transition milk on growing Holstein calves were assessed. 50 calves received either 12 L/d of transition milk or milk replacer for the first 5 days of life. Thereafter, all calves received 12 L/d of milk replacer until gradually weaning between weeks 8 and 14. Body weight and oxidative marker in blood were measured until first lactation. Feed intake and behavior, as well as health data were assessed during the rearing period and milk yield, composition, and somatic cell count (SCC) were recorded until d 200. Calves fed transition milk had higher energy intakes and numerically higher starter intake during the rearing period. Both groups had high body weight gains even during weaning. Calves fed transition milk had fewer health incidents and numerically required less medication. The reproductive performance, first lactation milk yield and composition during the first 200 days in milk did not differ. However, a lower somatic cell count was observed in the transition milk group during the first three weeks of lactation. Heifers fed with transition milk had a lower body weight at calving, but tended to have a greater body condition score than heifers fed with milk replacer. No significant effects on oxidative status were found, apart from early-life differences. Overall, transition milk did not affect the development and performance of calves and heifers at high feeding allowances. The positive effects of transition milk feeding (health and solid feed intake) were limited to the rearing period; further effects, e.g., growth rate, age at calving and milk yield were not affected.     «

In this study, the long-term effects of transition milk on growing Holstein calves were assessed. 50 calves received either 12 L/d of transition milk or milk replacer for the first 5 days of life. Thereafter, all calves received 12 L/d of milk replacer until gradually weaning between weeks 8 and 14. Body weight and oxidative marker in blood were measured until first lactation. Feed intake and behavior, as well as health data were assessed during the rearing period and milk yield, composition, an...     »