COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE OF ONCE- VERSUS TWICE-A-DAY MILK FEEDING IN PREWEANING SAHIWAL CALVES

Authors

  • M.N. Tahir 11Livestock Experiment Station, Qadirabad Distt. Sahiwal, 2Semen Production Unit, Qadirabad Distt.Sahiwal
  • F. Ahmad Livestock Experiment Station, Qadirabad Distt. Sahiwal
  • M. Ahmad Livestock Experiment Station, Qadirabad Distt. Sahiwal
  • I. Anwar Livestock Production Research Institute Bahadurnagar Okara
  • A. Asghar Livestock Production Research Institute Bahadurnagar Okara
  • M. Akhtar Livestock Production Research Institute Bahadurnagar Okara
  • A. Qayyum University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore
  • G.A.Chishti University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.57041/vol77iss01pp145-150

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the effects of once- versus twice-daily milk feeding in preweaning Sahiwal calves. Sixteen calves from the Livestock Experiment Station Qadirabad, Punjab, Pakistan, received 2 L of colostrum at birth, followed by 3 L of whole milk daily in two equal feedings until day 14. From day 15, calves were randomly assigned to once-daily or twice-daily milk feeding groups, with the twice-daily group serving as the control. To determine Growth parameters (body weight, heart girth, and withers height) each calf was weighed and measured at 2 weeks of age and then at weaning. Daily health scores were recorded for each calf using a standard scoring system. For indirect monitoring of rumen papillae development, blood samples were collected by jugular venipuncture 4h post-feeding every 14 days from Day 28, to assess β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) concentrations. Starter intake was also monitored. Results showed no significant differences between treatments in average daily gain (0.45 vs. 0.44 kg/d for males; 0.40 vs. 0.39 kg/d for females), starter intake (326.2 vs. 301.9 g/d), growth measures, and BHBA or health scores. These findings indicate that once-daily milk feeding is a viable alternative to twice-daily feeding, offering potential labor savings without compromising calf growth, health, or starter intake.

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Published

2025-03-15

How to Cite

M.N. Tahir, F. Ahmad, M. Ahmad, I. Anwar, A. Asghar, M. Akhtar, A. Qayyum, & G.A.Chishti. (2025). COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE OF ONCE- VERSUS TWICE-A-DAY MILK FEEDING IN PREWEANING SAHIWAL CALVES. Pakistan Journal of Science, 77(01), 145–150. https://doi.org/10.57041/vol77iss01pp145-150

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