A Comparison of U.S. NO. 2 Field-Cured Field-Baled Alfalfa Hay with Artificially Dried and ground and Pelleted Alfalfa Hays as a source of Carotene and Roughage for Holstein Calves

Abstract

Field-cured and baled hay, artificially-dried and ground hay and artificially-dried and pelleted hay were used as sources of carotene and roughage for 15 young Holstein calves. The calves fed the pelleted hay consumed larger amts. (P<0.01) of hay than either of the other 2 types. This was accompanied by higher blood plasma levels of carotene and Vit. A as well as increased live wt. for this group over those fed field-cured and baled hay or artificially-dried and ground hay. It required 4.8 wks. to deplete the calves of their Vit. A stores after each calf reached 105 days of age when fed field-cured and baled hay, 8.2 wks. for those fed artifically-dried and ground hay and 11.2 wks. for those fed the artificially-dried and pelleted hay.