Effect of Body Weight and Feed Conversion Rate on Feeding Milk by Calf Nurser Bottle and Pail in Brown-Swiss and Holstein Calves

This study was carried out to compare the effects of feeding milk by calf nursing bottle and pail on body weight and feed conversion rate in Brown-Swiss and Holstein calves. The research was conducted on 83 calves (19 Holstein female, 18 Holstein male, 20 Brown-Swiss female, 26 Brown-Swiss male) allocated two treatment groups classified by diet (calf nursing bottle-pail). The birth weight (DA) (41.44 ± 0.84), weaning weight (SKA) (109.87 ± 1.64) and the feed conversion rate (YYO) (2.81 ± 0.05) were highest in Brown-Swiss calves. According to gender; DA (43.52 ± 1.09 kg), SKA (115.40 ± 2.25) and YYO (2.82 ± 0.07) were highest in male Brown-Swiss calves. The SKA (116.43 ± 3.85 kg) of Brown-Swiss male calves fed by pail had the highest weight, whereas the lowest SKA (99.88 ± 3.60 kg) was detected in Holstein females fed by calf nursing bottle. Statistically significant differences between races were detected for DA (P 0.001) and YYO (P 0.05), as well as for DA (P 0.05) and SKA (P 0.001) according to gender. However, DA, SKA and YYO parameters were not influenced significantly by feeding methods used (P 0.05). As a result, the method of feeding milk (with calf nursing bottle and pail) did not affect the body weight and feed conversion rate. Farms having cows of Brown-Swiss and Holstein breeds may prefer to pail feeding method for gaining time and reduce labour costs.