Fat Level Comparison Study

Study Overview

Feeding calves milk replacers with varying fat levels significantly affects their growth, feed intake, and health. Higher fat milk replacers may suppress solid feed intake, consequently delaying rumen development, while lower fat levels may promote greater solid feed consumption and improved growth during both pre- and post-weaning periods. This study examined the effects of low-fat (17%), moderate-fat (24%), and high-fat (31%) milk replacers on calf performance and health up to 13 weeks of age.

Calves fed milk replacers with 24% and 31% fat had differences in health but consumed less starter grain, likely due to an excess energy supply leading to earlier satiety. As a result, calves offered the 17% fat milk replacer consumed more starter grain and achieved a higher average daily gain (ADG), resulting in a lower cost per pound of gain when assuming equal costs for milk replacers and starter grain.

Key Takeaways

Feeding Strategy Implication: Balancing fat content in milk replacers is crucial for optimizing starter grain intake, growth rates, and economic efficiency. Breed, environment and age will also affect optimal parameters.

Lower Fat Milk Replacer Advantage: Calves offered the 17% fat milk replacer consumed more starter grain, leading to improved performance metrics.

Higher ADG: Increased starter grain intake with the 17% fat milk replacer resulted in a higher average daily gain (ADG).

Cost Efficiency: When assuming equal costs for milk replacers and starter grain, the 17% fat milk replacer offered the most cost-effective gains, with a lower cost per pound of weight gain.