The effect of different weaning strategies on growth performance, health, ruminal fermentation parameters, blood metabolites and economic efficiency of Holestein calves

In order to compare the effects of different weaning strategies on feed intake, structural growth measurement and health, blood metabolites and economic efficiency of young dairy calves, twenty four female Holstein calves were used. Calves after birth were randomly assigned into one of three weaning strategy as follow: 1) weaning based on feed intake, 2) weaning based on weight gain (30 kg weight gain compared to the birth weight), and 3) weaning based on age (at 90 days of age). Starter intake measurement and fecal scoring conducted daily. Calves were weighed weekly and blood samples were obtained on days 21, 42, 60 and 90 after birth. Results showed that there were significant differences among different weaning strategies on average weaning age and milk consumption (p