J. Anim Sci.
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J. Anim Sci. 1974. 38:237-248.
© 1974 American Society of Animal Science
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Performance and Efficiency of Cows and Calves Related to Winter Feeding and Management Procedures and Feeding Levels

R. C. Hammes, Jr.1, R. E. Blaser1, J. P. Fontenot2 and H. T. Bryant1

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University,3, Blacksburg, 24061

Abstract

A July to September calving Angus cow herd was used in two experiments, each with three feeding trials, to investigate the effects of feeding and management practices on performance and feed efficiency of cows and calves. Each feeding trial was initiated in mid-December when the calves averaged 145 days of age and continued until late March.

In the first experiment suckling creep fed calves gained at similar rates when the cows were fed 20.0 or 10.6 lb. (9.1 or 4.8 kg) TDN daily. Creep feeding increased rate of calf gain and efficiency, expressed as TDN required per cow-calf unit per pound of calf gain. Separating creep fed calves from cows, while the cows ate, reduced body weight loss of cows and increased efficiency calculated on the basis of cow and calf gain, while maintaining a high calf gain and efficiency based on calf gain. Twice, compared to once per day feeding did not significantly increase rate of calf gain. On a ration of corn silage and supplemental protein, early weaned calves gained at a slower rate than similarly fed nursing calves, but with a high-energy ration gains equaled those of nursing calves. Dry cows fed 4.8 lb. (2.2 kg) TDN daily lost weight at a rate similar to cows nursing calves and fed 10.6 lb. (4.8 kg) TDN daily. Early weaning and feeding the dry cow 4.8 lb. (2.2 kg) TDN increased feed efficiency, based on calf gain.

Footnotes

1 Department of Agronomy

2 Department of Animal Science.

3 Appreciation is expressed to Dr. C. Y. Kramer for conducing the statistical analyses.






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Copyright © 1974 by the American Society of Animal Science.