Feeding a calf starter containing highly digestible corn may improve calf growth

New corn hybrids have been developed by Masters Choice (MC) that vary in energy density due to an altered starch structure that improves ruminal and intestinal starch digestibility. Twenty-nine (1 to 3 d old; 40.6 ± 1.72 kg) Holstein heifer and 2 Holstein bull calves (31 total) were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 calf starters (CS) to measure growth performance of Holstein calves through 8 wk of age. Treatments were: 1) Control CS (CN): containing 40% conventional ground corn dry matter (DM) basis and 2) MC CS: containing 40% MC corn (DM basis). Calf starters were formulated to contain 24% crude protein (CP; DM basis) and were fed for ad libitum consumption as a pellet starting on d 1. The study was conducted from April 22 through August 1, 2013. Body weights and body measurements were collected weekly. All calves were fed a 28% CP, 18% fat accelerated milk replacer (all milk protein) twice daily in 2 equal feedings at the rate of 0.64 kg/d from 0 to 14 d, 0.96 kg/d from 15 to 42 d and fed once daily at 0.48 kg/d from d 42 to 49. Data were analyzed using mixed procedure of SAS version 9.4. Body weight gains (26.2 and 28.8 kg for CN and MC, respectively) were similar (P > 0.10) between treatments. No significant (P > 0.10) differences in frame growth parameters as measured by change in body length (8.1 and 7.8 cm), heart girth (12.1 and 12.9 cm), hip height (10.9 and 11.1 cm), and wither height (10.9 and 10.9 cm). Calves fed MC CS were similar (P > 0.10) in ADG compared to calves fed CN CS (0.46 and 0.51 kg/d). Calves fed MC CS tended to have greater (P < 0.10) feed efficiency then calves fed CN CS. Calves fed MC CS demonstrated greater (P < 0.05) total tract nutrient digestibility of several nutrients, which lead to the cost of gain being more economical for calves fed MC when corn is priced the same. The use of new corn hybrids has the potential to improve nutrient digestion and animal performance.