Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences

Asian Australasian Association of Animal Production Societies (아세아태평양축산학회)
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THE EFFECTS OF WEANING AGE, QUANTITIES OF MILK AND CALF STARTER CONSUMED ON THE PERFORMANCE OF SAHIWAL CALVES

  • Chattha, A.I. (Department of Animal Nutrition, University of Agriculture) ;
  • Sarwar, M. (Department of Animal Nutrition, University of Agriculture) ;
  • Abbas, W. (Department of Animal Nutrition, University of Agriculture) ;
  • Ali, C.S. (Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Agriculture)
  • Received : 1995.08.28
  • Accepted : 1995.12.11
  • Published : 1996.06.01
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Abstract

An experiment was planned to investigate the effect of early weaned calves on their growth performance. Twelve newly born Sahiwal male calves were employed for this study. These calves were divided into four groups (A, B, C, D); three animals in each group. Calves weaned at 13 weeks (A), a traditional method of calf rearing in Pakistan, received whole milk throughout the experimental period of 90 days while calves weaned at 8 (B), 6 (C) and 4 (D) weeks received the starter ration to compensate the reduced milk allowance. Weight gain of calves of all groups remained unaffected statistically. However, the average daily body weight gains of calves weaned at 6 (300 grams) and 8 (377 grams) weeks of age were similar to those weaned at 13 (368 grams) weeks of age. The results of this study suggest that calf weaning could successfully be obtained at 6 weeks of age with the abundant provision of palatable and nutritious starter ration.

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