Woodpulp Fines of Corn Silage as Roughages in Complete Rations or a Pelleted Complete Ration for Young Dairy Replacements from Birth through 18 Weeks of Age

Abstract

Holstein calves, 18 females and 12 males, were assigned randomly to 10 blocks of 3 calves each by sex, and within each block were assigned randomly to one of three experimental rations. All calves received sour colostrum from day 1 through day 35. The respective dry rations were offered beginning at day 8. The three rations consisted of (dry basis): 1) 11% woodpulp fines and 89% concentrate; 2) 33.7% corn silage and 66.3% concentrate; and 3) a commercially available pelleted complete ration. From birth through 8 wk, calves fed woodpulp gained more weight than those fed silage and approximately equal weight to calves fed commercial ration. From 8 through 18 wk. calves fed the latter gained more weight than other calves. Dry matter intake followed the same order as weight gain. Blood samples were obtained biweekly beginning with the 2nd wk from the jugular vein of each calf. There were no differences in glucose 2 through 18 wk. Urea nitrogen of plasma was greater in calves fed commercial ration than in other calves in six of the sampling periods. Calves fed silage had more urea nitrogen in plasma than calves fed woodpulp for three of the sampling periods. Rumen tissue from male calves at 18 wk fed woodpulp showed the most normal appearance in papillae color, density, and length. Calves fed silage had rumen tissue showing short, black, nodular papillae. Calves fed commercial ration showed long, branched, necrotic papillae that were keratotic and loosely attached.