The Effect of Feeding Systems on the Performance of Neo-natal Holstein Bull Calves

A study was conducted to evaluate effects of housing and feeding systems on performance of neo-natal Holstein bull calves. Treatments included individually housed, bottle-fed (n = 5 calves), individually housed, bucket-fed (n = 5 calves), group housed bottle fed (n = 5 pens) and group housed bucket fed (n = 5 pens). Body weights were collected every 7 days and serum and plasma samples were taken on day 0, 28, 55 and 66 for beta-Hydroxybutyrate concentrations. No major differences (P > 0.11) in performance (average daily gain, dry matter intake, and feed efficiency) or β-Hydroxybutyrate (P > 0.14) concentrations were observed between housing and feeding treatments. Likewise, no differences (P > 0.26) were observed in the coefficient of variation for BW or fecal scores or morbidity. Albeit performance wasn’t altered, group housing provides a social environment and bucket feeding lowers the variation of intake amongst the group