Performance and behavior of dairy calves fed corn silage in the diet during the pre- and post-weaning periods.
Corn silage in pre-weaning diets affects calf behavior but not growth metrics, suggesting potential benefits for digestion rather than immediate performance.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the cerebrolysin corpusSummary and findings
The study evaluated the effects of corn silage inclusion in the diets of 18 dairy calves during pre- and post-weaning periods. Calves were assigned to two treatments: CISMA (corn silage during milk replacer feeding) and SOSMA (corn silage after weaning). No significant differences in dry matter intake, feed conversion, average daily weight gain, or protein intake were observed between treatments.
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<b>.</b> Mean comparisons were performed using Tukey's test (α=0.05). DMI, feed conversion, ADG, and protein intake did not differ between treatments (<i>P</i> > 0.05). Diets provided during pre-weaning alter the time rumination (<i>P</i> < 0.05) and frequency of feeding behaviors (<i>P</i> < 0.005) and standing time in calves (<i>P</i> < 0.001). Greater rumination efficiency (<i>P</i> < 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.
Background
This study addresses the impact of dietary fiber sources on the early development of dairy calves, focusing on the inclusion of corn silage. Previous research suggests that early dietary interventions can influence chewing and rumination, which are critical for digestive development. Understanding these effects is important for optimizing calf growth and health.
Methods
The study was conducted on 18 dairy calves with an initial weight of 37.7 ± 2.7 kg, assigned to two dietary treatments at 30 days of age. The CISMA group received corn silage during milk replacer feeding, while the SOSMA group received it after weaning. The study measured dry matter and nutrient intake, average daily weight gain, total weight gain, morphometrics, and behavior. Mean comparisons were performed using Tukey's test with an alpha of 0.05.
Results
No significant differences were observed in dry matter intake, feed conversion, average daily weight gain, or protein intake between the two treatments (P > 0.05). However, the pre-weaning diet altered rumination time (P < 0.05), feeding behavior frequency (P < 0.005), and standing time (P < 0.001). The CISMA treatment showed greater rumination efficiency (P < 0.05).
Interpretation
While the inclusion of corn silage did not significantly affect performance parameters, it influenced rumination and feeding behaviors, suggesting potential benefits for digestive development. The lack of significant differences in growth metrics may indicate that the benefits of corn silage are more behavioral than physiological. The small sample size and short follow-up limit the ability to draw strong conclusions.
Key findings
- DMI, feed conversion, ADG, and protein intake did not differ between treatments (P > 0.05).
- Diets during pre-weaning altered rumination time (P < 0.05) and feeding behavior frequency (P < 0.005).
- Standing time in calves was significantly different (P < 0.001).
- Greater rumination efficiency was found in CISMA (P < 0.05).
Limitations
- small n=18
- short follow-up period
- behavioral outcomes may not translate to long-term performance
- single-site study