Blood studies and performance among calves reared by different methods

Three methods of feeding calves were compared as follows: 1) milk replacer only with restricted movement, 2) milk replacer only with freedom of movement, and 3) hay, grain, and water with freedom of movement. No significant differences were noted for variables of acid-base balance (sampled while resting). An Fe deficiency, microcytic, hypochromic anemia, developed in the calves receiving milk replacer only. Average daily gain, carcass grade, and sale price were superior for calves receiving only milk replacer with freedom of movement as compared with those with restricted movement. A fourth method (calves nursing cows), represented by calves having a different origin, was compared as a supplemental group. Absolute numbers for lymphocyte and neutrophils were significantly higher for calves nursing cows than for calves reared by the other methods.