Effect of different feeding intensity on feed intake, live weight gain, various body traits as well as the energy utilization for weight gain in female calves and heifers

Eighty newborn female Holstein calves were used to assess the influence of feeding intensity during the rearing period of calves and heifers on the feed intake and the growth. Throughout the first period (up to week 14) 40 animals each were provided with low and high amounts of milk replacer. Thereafter until week 24 the animals were fed on the same level with grass silage and concentrates (period 2). From the beginning of week 25 until first mating with about 400 kg of body weight each group was divided again into two subgroups receiving low and high amounts of concentrates and grass silage for ad libitum consumption. The high drinking intensity in period 1 resulted in a significantly higher dry matter intake (DMI), live weight gain (LWG), withers height and energy consumption for LWG, whereas there were no differences in these parameters at the end of period 2. The elevated concentrate level during period 3 significantly increased DMI and energy consumption independent of previous drinking intensity. Throughout the whole experiment neither the drinking intensity, nor the concentrate level did significantly influence the DMI, the growth and the energy consumption, whereas the concentrate level significantly increased the LWG.

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