Effect of Corn Processing and Milk Feeding Mehtod on Growth Performance, Blood and Rumenal Parameters of Holstein Calves

Effect of different processing methods of corn grain were investigated in 36 Holstein suckling female calves (body weight = 38.2 ± 1.20 kg) on performance and blood and ruminal parameters. Treatments were whole corn, ground corn, cracked corn and steam-flaked corn. Starter diets were mixed five percent of the chopped wheat straw and offered to calves from day 4. Milk was fed in a gradual step-up step-down method to all calves. Calves weaned at 71 days and total intake of starter and body weight of calves were measured until 84 days. Starter intake and ADG were significantly higher for cracked corn and steam-flaked corn than for ground corn and whole corn treatments in pre- and post-weaning and overall period (P≤0.01). At weaning and day 84, the average body weight of calves fed cracked corn and steam-flaked corn were significantly higher than those fed whole corn and ground corn treatments (P≤0.01). Treatments also affected serum protein of calves (P<0.05). According results of this study, feeding calves with cracked corn or steam-flaked corn increased feed intake and improved ADG and body weight through pre- and post-weaning periods.