A High Roughage System for Raising Calves Based on the Early Development of Rumen Function. II. Growth, Feed Consumption, and Utilization by Calves Fed a 3:2 Ratio of Hay to Grain With or Without Molasses or Penicillin Supplement

Abstract

A comparison was made of the performance of Jersey and Holstein calves raised according to the high roughage system, using a mixture of 3 parts coarsely ground mixed legume and grass hay and 2 parts of a simple grain concentrate mixture as the dry feed in the ration to 12 weeks of age. A 2:1 ratio of hay to grain was fed from 12 weeks to 26 weeks of age. Growth as indicated by body wt. and height at withers was slightly less than the Ragsdale standards. No difference in efficiency of feed utilization was noted between the Jerseys and Holsteins during the 12 weeks, the period 18-26 weeks, or the entire 6_mo. period. No significant benefit resulted from adding either molasses or penicillin to the 3:2 hay to grain ratio as measured by growth, feed consumption, or efficiency of feed utilization in the Jersey calves.