Determination of energy and protein requirements of preweaned dairy calves: A multistudy approach
Marcos Inácio Marcondes, Alex Lopes da Silva
Abstract
= 30.06 × EBG + 70.98 × RE. The efficiency of use of metabolizable protein for gain was estimated as 71.9, 59.2, and 44.4% for milk, milk replacer, and starter feed, respectively. We concluded that no differences were observed in energy and protein requirements between Holstein and Holstein × Gyr crossbred cows. The efficiencies of use of metabolizable energy and protein are greater for milk when compared with milk replacer and starter feed. Therefore, we propose that the equations generated herein should be used to estimate energy and protein requirements of preweaned Holstein and Holstein × Gyr crossbred dairy calves raised under tropical conditions.
Topics & Concepts
Energy requirementAnimal scienceCrossbreedRegressionStarterBiologyMathematicsStatisticsFood scienceRuminant Nutrition and Digestive PhysiologyEffects of Environmental Stressors on LivestockGenetic and phenotypic traits in livestock