Journal of Veterinary and Animal Sciences

Abstract

Fourteen seven-day old pre-ruminant crossbred calves of either sex were randomly distributed to T1 and T2 groups. Calves were fed whole milk (T1) and fortified milk replacer (T2) at a rate of 1/10th of body weight during the first six weeks, 1/15th during the following four weeks, 1/20th during the final two weeks. The milk replacer was formulated using skim milk powder, dried whey and soy protein isolate as protein sources, refined coconut oil as energy source and was fortified with vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids. The milk replacer was reconstituted by mixing one part of the dry powder with seven parts of warm water. At the time of feeding, a probiotic powder containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus (0.2 × 109 CFU) and lysolecithin (4 g) was added to the reconstituted milk replacer for each calf daily. Final body weight and total body weight gain (TWG) were similar between the two groups. However, the average feed cost per calf was significantly lower (P<0.01) for T2 compared to T1. Faecal consistency scores were comparable between the groups, with no incidences of diarrhea observed. Hematological and biochemical parameters were within normal ranges and did not differ significantly (P>0.05) between the groups.