1. Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel
Agrar- und
Ernährungswissenschaftliche Fakultät
Institut für Tierzucht und Tierhaltung
Effects of energy intake during early postnatal life of Holstein-Friesian calves on later life milk production during first lactation
Steffi Wiedemann1, Rebecca Kühl1, Patricia Holz2, Hans-Jürgen Kunz3, Martin Kaske4
1Animal Health, University of Kiel; 2University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Foundation; 3Chamber of Agriculture of Schleswig-Holstein; 4Department for Farm Animals, University of Zurich
Background
Results
There is evidence that postnatal level of nutrient supply may affect subsequent growth and function of tissues and organs in numerous mammalian species. In calves, research on the effects of an increased supply of nutrients during early life has been intensified during the last years. Recent studies have reported many positive direct effects of an intensified feeding such as higher weight gains in combination with a decrease in abnormal behaviour.
Total energy consumption was almost twice as high in AdL calves compared with RES calves until the end of wk 4; no differences were obtained between wk 5 and 10 of life.
Average daily gain was higher in AdL-calves compared to RES-calves during the first 4 wk of life (0.72 vs kg/d; p<0.001),
Age at first calving did not differ between groups (765 vs. 777 d; p=0.30).
Fat-corrected milk yield was higher during the first lactation in AdL animals compared with RES animals (39.2 vs kg/d; p<0.05). No differences in the milk protein and fat concentration were obtained.
Roughage intake during first lactation was higher in AdL animals (19.3 kg DM/d vs kg DM/d; p<0.01)
Objective
The aim of this study was to analyse the long-term effects of intensified feeding of Holstein calves during the first 4 weeks of life compared to an established feeding protocol on subsequent first-lactation milk production and feed intake.
Materials and Methods
Animals, housing and feeding
after birth and supply of at least 3 L colostrum: random assignment of 68 female Holstein-Friesian calves to two groups
between d 1 to d 28 of life:
ad libitum feeding (AdL, N = 38):
wk 1: ad libitum feeding of acidified whole milk (17.3 MJ ME/kg DM);
wk 2-4: ad libitum feeding of milk replacer (160 g/L; 21.2 MJ ME/kg DM)
restrictive feeding (RES, N = 30):
wk 1: 4 L acidified whole milk/day (17.3 MJ ME/kg DM)
wk 2-4: 6 L milk replacer/d (120 g/L; 21.2 MJ ME/kg DM)
all animals: housing in individual hutches during wk 1 and in group pens during wk 2-4
after d 28: similar feeding and housing of all calves
between d 29 and d 70 of life: weaning
insemination at approximately 420 kg bodyweight
similar feeding and milking management during lactation
Acquired data and samples
weights
birth weights
weekly weights up to d 70 of life
daily feed intake until d 70 of life:
milk and milk replacer intake
calf starter intake
roughage intake of animals during first lactation
daily milk yield
monthly milk composition
Statistical analyses
generalized linear mixed models (MIXED procedure in SAS Version 9.3)
Conclusion
Intensive rearing during the four three weeks of life results in an enhanced nutrient uptake and body development in comparison with a restrictive rearing protocol. Differences in the milk production and feed intake occurred during the first lactation. The observed results imply that the rearing intensity during the neonatal period has long-term consequences. This result supports the theory of a possible metabolic programming during early life.
Contact information:
Jun. Prof. Dr. Steffi Wiedemann
Animal Health
Institute of Animal Breeding and Husbandry
Olshausenstr. 40
24098 Kiel, Germany
Tel