Abstract

One hundred Holstein heifers were used to examine the effects of monensin (Rumensin®) and lasalocid (Bovatec®) included in calf starter and grower diets. Heifers were assigned alternately at birth to a starter feed containing either Rumensin (28 g/ton, 90% dry matter basis) or Bovatec (40 g/ton, 90% dry matter basis). The Bovatec group was switched to a starter feed containing 28 g Bovatec/ton (90% dry matter basis) at 6 weeks of age. Both groups were switched at 8 weeks of age to grower diets designed to deliver 100 mg/head/day of either Rumensin or Bovatec. No treatment differences were observed between birth and 8 weeks of age. Heifers were moved from individual hutches at 8 weeks of age to group pens (five heifers/pen) and remained on the same treatment for the next 84 days. During this 84-day period, heifers receiving Rumensin gained more weight at a faster rate and tended to be more efficient than heifers fed Bovatec. No differences were observed in feed intake, skeletal growth as measured by hip height, or body condition score.; Dairy Day, 1999, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 1999;

Keywords: Dairy Day, 1999, Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station contribution, no. 00-136-S, Report of progress (Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service), 842, Dairy, Calves, Replacement heifers, Rumensin, Bovatec

How to Cite:

Isch, J. A., Scheffel, M. V., Titgemeyer, E. C. & Thomas, E. C., (1999) “Effects of rumensin and bovatec on growth, feed intake, and feed efficiency in dairy calves”, Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports 1(2), 4-7. doi: https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.2931