Abstract

Ninety Holstein heifers were used to examine the effects of Rumensin® or Bovatec®. Average daily gain and feed efficiency was greater for heifers fed Rumensin® than for heifers fed Bovatec®. Heifers fed Rumensin® consumed more total dry matter per day but slightly less dry matter as a percent of body weight than heifers fed Bovatec®. No differences were observed in body condition score and hip height between dietary treatments. The primary goal of a heifer-feeding program is to obtain a desired rate of gain without fattening at the least possible cost. Results of this study support the use of Rumensin® in diets for growing dairy replacement heifers.; Dairy Day, 1998, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 1998;

Keywords: Dairy Day, 1998, Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station contribution, no. 99-158-S, Report of progress (Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service), 821, Replacement heifers, Rumensin, Bovatec

How to Cite:

Scheffel, M. V., Park, A., Smith, J. F. & Titgemeyer, E. C., (1998) “Growth and feed efficiency of growing dairy replacement heifers supplemented with Rumensin or Bovatec”, Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports 1(2), 46-49. doi: https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.3239