Browsing by Author "Wittayanuparpyuenyong, Kaset"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The comparison of supplements for young calves grazing autumn pasture: a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Agricultural Science in Animal Science at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1987) Wittayanuparpyuenyong, Kaset
    Thirty two autumn-born calves (sixteen bull and sixteen heifer calves) were used to compared the effects of alternative supplements on performance, health, herbage intake and feed efficiency of young calves. 1. Four bull and four heifer calves in each of four blocks,which had previously received milk ad libitum,were randomly allocated to each of the four treatments at 5-6 weeks of age. The supplements of liquid milk, dry milk and concentrates were calculated to provide 11.28 MJME metabolisable energy (ME) (for ruminants) and 175 g crude protein (CP) daily and were fed for 5 weeks. Supplements were offered once a day and amounts eaten were measured. The control group was weaned directly onto autumn pasture. 2. Calves were grazed in the same paddocks,predominantly ryegrass and white clover,divided into four equal areas by two electric wires. Individual paddocks were used in rotation for 4-5 days and calves offered a daily herbage allowance of approximately 60 g DM per kg liveweight. After the experimental period the calves were grazed on pasture together in two mobs, bulls in one and heifer calves in the other, and liveweights measured until about 33 weeks of age. 3. The DM intake of supplement and herbage by individual calves were estimated indirectly using faecal markers (Chromic oxide and Polyethylene glycol). 4. Calf growth rates at various stages were measured. Feeding of supplements significantly (P<0.001) increased the liveweight gains of young calves grazing autumn pasture (control 257.1 g/d). Among the supplemented calves, calves receiving liquid milk had a significantly (P