摘要：Debate exists as to the optimal processing method or abrasiveness of the starter diet for young calves. Eight male and eight female neonatal Holstein calves were grouped by gender, age and Body Weight (BW) and assigned to either the traditional Ground (GS) or the Commercial Pelleted (PS) forms of the same starter concentrate. The objective was to evaluate starter intake, feed efficiency, growth rate and Weaning Criterion (WC), as affected by offering differently processed starters. Milk offer ended at 60 days of age with a minimum BW of 75 kg, otherwise continued until calves reached 75 kg BW. The WC, or the age at a daily consumption of 680 g starter and age at 75 kg BW were estimated using polynomial regression equations. Weekly starter intake and BW, growth rate and WC were not significantly affected by the treatments. The average daily starter intake, however, tended to be greater in calves fed the PS than in calves fed the GS. The two groups required the same time-period to attain 75 kg BW. In conclusion, GS appeared as effective in promoting adequate starter intake and growth rate for early weaning of dairy calves as PS.
