Increased solids intake and feeding frequency for calves in hutches during cold weather

Seventy-seven Holstein calves born during October through March were used to evaluate increased solids intake from liquid feed and once versus twice daily feeding on weight gains and health of calves. Dietary treatments were 3.6 kg whole milk fed once daily (A) or in two feedings (B), 3.6 kg whole milk plus 113 g whey-fat blend powder fed once daily (C) or in two feedings (D), and 4.5 kg milk daily fed in two feedings (E). Calves fed diets A and B received .45 kg of solids daily in their liquid feed, whereas those fed diets C, D, and E received .56 kg of solids. These amounts were fed for 4 wk starting 3 d after birth, then amounts were reduced by half during the 5th wk. Weight gains during wk 1 to 5 (.36, .47, .48, .57, and .61 kg/d) were highest for calves fed additional solids and were greater when fed liquid twice instead of once daily. Weight gains were similar for all calves during wk 6 to 10, although weight gains during the entire 10 wk (.67, .70, .72, .81, and .82 kg/d) reflected the differences of the initial 5 wk. Dry feed consumption was similar for all treatment groups during all periods. Incidence of diarrhea tended to be lower in calves fed twice daily, although diarrhea was not a major problem for any treatment group. For optimum growth and health, calves housed in hutches during cold weather should be fed at least .56 kg of solids daily in two or more liquid feedings.