COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE OF ONCE- VERSUS TWICE-A-DAY MILK FEEDING IN PREWEANING SAHIWAL CALVES

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the effects of once- versus twice-daily milk feeding in preweaning Sahiwal calves. Sixteen calves from the Livestock Experiment Station Qadirabad, Punjab, Pakistan, received 2 L of colostrum at birth, followed by 3 L of whole milk daily in two equal feedings until day 14. From day 15, calves were randomly assigned to once-daily or twice-daily milk feeding groups, with the twice-daily group serving as the control. To determine Growth parameters (body weight, heart girth, and withers height) each calf was weighed and measured at 2 weeks of age and then at weaning. Daily health scores were recorded for each calf using a standard scoring system. For indirect monitoring of rumen papillae development, blood samples were collected by jugular venipuncture 4h post-feeding every 14 days from Day 28, to assess β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) concentrations. Starter intake was also monitored. Results showed no significant differences between treatments in average daily gain (0.45 vs. 0.44 kg/d for males; 0.40 vs. 0.39 kg/d for females), starter intake (326.2 vs. 301.9 g/d), growth measures, and BHBA or health scores. These findings indicate that once-daily milk feeding is a viable alternative to twice-daily feeding, offering potential labor savings without compromising calf growth, health, or starter intake.