Effect of processing sorghum grain on dairy calf performance

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Dairy Nutrition
• Ruminant Physiology

Background:

• Dairy calves require optimal nutrition for growth and development.
• Sorghum grain is a potential feed ingredient, but processing may affect its digestibility and calf health.
• Understanding the impact of different sorghum processing techniques is crucial for calf starter formulations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of raw, roasted, and conglomerated sorghum grain processing on dairy calf performance.
• To assess the impact of sorghum processing on ruminal and blood metabolites in calves.
• To determine the potential benefits and drawbacks of different sorghum grain processing methods for young dairy animals.

Main Methods:

• Two trials involving Holstein calves (n=76 and n=48) aged 0.5 to 8 weeks were conducted.
• Calves were fed pelleted starters containing either raw, roasted, or conglomerated sorghum grain.
• Performance metrics, ruminal fluid, and blood samples were analyzed to assess calf response.

Main Results:

• Sorghum grain processing methods (raw, roasted, conglomerated) did not significantly enhance overall calf performance.
• Ruminal and blood metabolite levels remained similar across different processing groups.
• A notable increase in bloat incidence (22%) was observed in calves fed conglomerated sorghum grain, potentially reducing feed intake.

Conclusions:

• Processing sorghum grain by roasting or conglomeration does not appear to improve dairy calf performance or metabolic indicators.
• Conglomeration of sorghum grain presents a potential risk of bloat in calves, necessitating mitigation strategies.
• Further investigation into bloat prevention is required to explore any potential advantages of conglomerated sorghum grain in calf diets.