Effect of Addition of Inedible Tallow to a Calf Starter Fed to Holstein Calves

Abstract

Male Holstein calves (24) were fed limited whole milk to 35 days of age, a maximum of 4 lb./day of calf starter containing 0.0, 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0% inedible stabilized tallow, and ad libitum alfalfa pellets to 92 days of age. The calves fed starters containing tallow consumed more calculated total digestible nutrients (TDN), which resulted in 5-6% greater Increases in growth. The pounds of dry matter required per pound of live weight increase were less in the calves fed starters containing tallow, and TDN utilization was not appreciably affected. Based on blood plasma values during the above feeding period and during a subsequent vitamin A depletion period, carotene and tocopherol utilization was unaffected by the inclusion of tallow in the starter. Digestibility and mineral balance studies with 8 of the above calves and with 4 lambs indicated that when tallow was fed, there was a decrease in the apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, and nitrogen-free extract in the calves, whereas ether extract was increased for both species. Fecal Ca increased with the inclusion of tallow in the ration of calves. Results of this study indicate that inedible stabilized tallow could be used in calf starters.