Impact of corn processing and weaning age on calf performance, blood metabolites, rumen fermentation, and behavior

Abstract

This study examined the impact of two corn processing methods (steam-flaked (SFC) vs. ground) combined with two weaning ages (50 or 75 days) on calf performance, blood metabolites, rumen fermentation, nutrient digestion, and behavior. The study involved 48 three-day-old Holstein calves, with an average body weight of 41.4 ± 2.2 kg. The experimental design was a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, resulting in four treatment groups: SFC50 (SFC and weaning at 50 days), SFC75 (SFC and weaning at 75 days), GC50 (ground corn and weaning at 50 days), and GC75 (ground corn and weaning at 75 days). Calves were given whole milk at 4 L/ day from day 3–15 and 7 L/ day from day 16 to either 43 or 68, depending on weaning age. Weaning occurred between days 44 and 50 for early-weaned calves and between days 69 and 75 for late-weaned calves. The study lasted until calves were 93 days old. The starter ration consisted of soybean meal, corn grain, 5% chopped wheat straw and premix. Results indicated that the SFC-based starter feed improved calf performance and nutrient digestion, as evidenced by increased weight gain, dry matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber digestibility. Calves fed the SFC-based starter diet had lower blood albumin and urea N concentrations, while blood total protein and globulin concentrations were higher, especially in early-weaned calves. No significant changes in rumen pH and ammonia-N concentration were observed. In addition, the SFC starter feed resulted in higher volatile fatty acids concentration and longer feeding time in weaned calves compared to ground corn. Overall, these results suggest that an SFC-based starter feed may be beneficial for both early and late weaned calves.