Evaluating the management and growth of pre-weaned beef x dairy calves
Date
2024-08
Authors
Klipp, Taylor Ann
Major Professor
Advisor
Carpenter, Gail
Appuhamy, Ranga
Tyler, Howard
Committee Member
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Abstract
Breeding Beef x Dairy (BXD) calves has been a common practice on dairy farms for many years. However, since its official recognition as a breeding strategy in 2018 (Foraker et al., 2022), the number of BXD calves has increased significantly (McWhorter et al., 2020). In the past, non-replacement heifer calves may have been neglected, particularly during periods of low market demand, but now, with increasing public scrutiny and optimal markets for BXD calves, there is a need to improve their management.
Several critical stages, as reviewed in Chapter 1, of a BXD calf's life must be considered, including colostrum, marketing and transportation, starch digestion, and overall health. Liver abscesses remain a significant concern in feedlots for dairy-raised calves. Additionally, compared to their Holstein counterparts, BXD calves have demonstrated improved feedlot efficiency as evidenced by growth data that suggest the need for a BXD model, as per the NRC, 2021 Holstein growth models. As BXD calves are here to stay, it is essential to optimize their management. Chapter 2 presents the findings of a study of 120 calves fed on various starch diets while on the same milk replacer diets. The study measured passive immunity, intake, and performance data. Chapter 3 uses the calf data from the previous chapter to model 1027 readings of growth against the NASEM, 2021 Holstein calf model. The model's error was determined and crossbred model recommendations were made
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thesis