Abstract:

The aim of the presented study is to investigate the effects of vitamin-mineral supplement on weight gain and health of dairy calves fed raw or pasteurized milk. The study was conducted on 40 calves from two different herds. Ten calves from herd A, received raw milk and 7.5 g of supplement twice daily (15g/calf/day) for 60 days (AM group); 10 other calves did not receive any supplement and were fed raw milk for 60 days (AC group).Ten calves from herd B (BM group), received 7.5 g of supplement twice daily (15g/calf/day) for 60 days mixed with pasteurized milk (72°C for 15 s). Calves in BC group (n:10) did not receive any supplement and calves in this group were fed with pasteurized milk for 60 days. Body weight of all calves were measured just after birth and on day 60 of the study when calves were weaned. Birth weights (kg±SEM) of groups AM, AC and BM, BC were 34.6±1.59, 34.6±1.68 and 36.4±2.51, 36.8±1.40 respectively. Weaning weights (kg±SEM) of groups AM, AC and BM, BC were 68.2±2.15, 65.9±1.89 and 81.5±3.21, 72.8±2.38 respectively. ADG (g±SEM) of groups AM, AC and BM, BC were calculated as 560±35, 522±25 and 768±30, 600±19 respectively. ADG and weaning weight of AM and AC was similar; however, ADG and weaning weight of BM was significantly higher (P<0.05) than ADG and weaning weight of BC. In conclusion, vitamin and trace element supplementation has beneficial effects on weight gain and health of dairy calves fed pasteurized waste milk.

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