524 - Late-Breaking: Growth Performance of Neonatal Calves Fed Milk Replacer 2 versus 3 Times per Day

Several calf studies demonstrate advantages when feeding greater protein and/or milk solids amounts, however studies comparing 2x/d versus 3x/d feeding are limited. Forty 2- to 5-d old Holstein bull calves were blocked by body weight (BW) and randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments. Treatments were: 1) 2X: milk replacer (MR) fed 2x/d; and 2) 3X: MR fed 3x/d. The MR was fed at 15% solids at 0630 and 1800 h and the 3^rd 3X feeding was at 1200 h. 2X calves were fed MR at 0.567 kg/d for d 1-14, increased to 0.85 kg/d for d 15-35, and reduced to 1x/d at 0.425 kg/d for d 36-42 for the 42 d study. 3X calves were fed MR 0.851 kg/d for d 1-14, increased to 1.275 kg/d for d 15-35, and reduced to 1x/d at 0.425 kg/d for d 36-42. Calf starter (CS) and water were free choice. Initial BW was a significant (P < 0.01) covariate and BW (55.6 and 57.3 kg for 2X and 3X, respectively) tended (P < 0.09) to be greater for calves fed 3X compared with 2X fed calves, but BW gains (25.5 and 27.7 kg) were similar (P > 0.10). A treatment by week interaction (P < 0.01) demonstrated variable BW gains. Intake of CS (0.28 and 0.13 kg/d) was approximately 63% lower (P < 0.04) for calves fed 3X compared with calves fed 2X. Feed conversions (0.65 and 0.60 kg/kg) were greater (P < 0.04) for calves fed 2X compared with calves fed 3X. Calves fed 2X had less scours (fecal score=0; 34.3 and 29.7 d) compared with 3X fed calves. Providing an additional MR feeding demonstrated minimal BW gains. Providing a 3^rd daily feeding greatly reduces CS intake and inhibits the transition needed for weaning calves.