Increasing Milk Replacer Crude Protein Concentrations with or without Direct-Fed Microbial Supplementation on Pre-Weaned Holstein Calves during Heat Stress

Author

Adam J. Geiger

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

Hill-Ward, Stephanie

Committee Member

Rude, Brian

Committee Member

Williams, Cathleen

Date of Degree

5-11-2013

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Animal Nutrition

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Department

Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the effect of modified crude protein (CP) concentrations and a supplemental directed microbial in the milk replacer fed to Holstein calves during elevated ambient temperatures. Fortyour Holstein calves were randomly assigned treatments in a 2x2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Weekly and daily measurements were taken and analyzed using PROC MIXED in SAS. Calves fed increased CP concentrations in the milk replacer had greater body weight and frame measurements during the pre-weaning phase and at weaning. Directed microbial supplementation led to increased ADG during the post-weaning phase. Directed microbial supplementation and milk replacer modification helped alleviate heat stress through decreased rectal temperatures and rectal scores. Directed microbial supplementation increased fecal scores. Calves fed the control diet had greater volatile fatty acid concentrations in the rumen fluid, showing signs of increased rumen papillae development.

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/11668/18118

Comments

calves||directed microbials||milk replacer

Recommended Citation

Geiger, Adam J., "Increasing Milk Replacer Crude Protein Concentrations with or without Direct-Fed Microbial Supplementation on Pre-Weaned Holstein Calves during Heat Stress" (2013). Theses and Dissertations. 2686.
https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/td/2686