Partial substitution from concentrate to tifton hay in feeding Girolando calves

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the development of Girolando calves from birth to weaning due to two solid diets types. Eight Girolando calves with an average age of one month, belonging to the Department of Animal Husbandry of the Department of Animal Science / CCA / UFPB, were used. The animals were housed in Argentinean type houses, where each animal has an individual house. The treatments consisted of artificial feeding with 4 substitute daily liters and a solid diet for 90 days. The solid diet consisted of 2 types of food based on concentrate and bulky. Diet 1 consisted of 100% concentrate in the pelleted feed form, the Diet 2 bulk in the form of milled Tifton hay and 50:50 pelleted feed. Leftover diets provided were weighed daily in the morning and afternoon periods. Each animal spent 90 days under evaluation. The evaluations were biweekly. Measured parameters of live weight, thoracic perimeter and withers height were measured. After gauging, the daily and monthly weight gain was calculated. A completely randomized design (DIC) was used in subdivided plots. The live weight of the animals increased linearly in both diets, and there was no significant difference (P <0.001) between pounds gained. The live weight and withers height had no influence (P <0.001) between Diets 1 and 2. There was a significant difference (P <0.001) for the thoracic perimeter in Diet 1, as a function of days. The replacement of 50% of the concentrate per hay did not affect the calves development in the period from 30 to 90 days of age.