Performance and behavior of dairy calves fed corn silage in the diet during the pre- and post-weaning periods

Abstract

Feeding strategies during the first months of calf life can be decisive for their future performance. The inclusion of fiber from different sources in the starter diet has proven effective in stimulating chewing and rumination early on. This study evaluated the effect of including corn silage in the diet of dairy calves during the pre- weaning period and its provision after weaning. Eighteen dairy calves with 37.7 ± 2.7 kg were assigned to two treatments at 30 days of age: (1) receiving concentrate and corn silage during milk replacer feeding (CISMA) and (2) receiving concentrate and corn silage after weaning (SOSMA). Dry matter (DMI) and nutrient intake, performance (average daily weight gain (ADG), and total weight gain), morphometrics, and behavior were evaluated. Mean comparisons were performed using Tukey's test (α=0.05). DMI, feed conversion, ADG, and protein intake did not differ between treatments (P > 0.05). Diets provided during pre-weaning alter the time rumination (P < 0.05) and frequency of feeding behaviors (P < 0.005) and standing time in calves (P < 0.001). Greater rumination efficiency (P < 0.05) was found in treatment CISMA. The inclusion of corn silage in the pre- weaning diet may have promoted the formation of structures that improved fiber degradation capacity after weaning. The inclusion of corn silage did not affect performance parameters, but represents a feeding alternative for calves.