Effect of Different Levels of Density of Flaked Corn on Growth Performance, Blood and Rumen Parameters of Holstein Suckling Calves

The effect of different levels of density of flaked corn on performance, blood and rumen parameters of 48 Holstein suckling calves with an average weight of 38.5 ± 1.20 kg was studied in 4 treatments and 12 replications for 70 days. Treatments included corn grain in the mashed form (control), flaked corn with a density of 300, flaked corn with a density of 350 and flaked corn with a density of 400 g / l. Calves were weaned at 56 days of age and daily intake of initial feed and body weight up to 70 days of age were measured. The effect of feeding experimental treatments on weight gain and dry matter intake of calves was not significant. The results of this study showed a significant effect of the experimental treatments on the concentration of ruminal volatile fatty acids and blood triglycerides (p<0.05). The density of 350 g / l of flaked corn (Treatment 3) had the highest concentration of triglycerides, propionic and butyric acid and treatment containing flaked corn with a density of 300 g (Treatment 2) per liter had the highest amount of acetic acid. The highest concentration of i-valeric acid (i-VA) belonged to the control treatment (corn grain in the mashed form). The effect of the sampling period on functional, blood, and skeletal growth parameters was significant among ruminal volatile fatty acids and valeric acid isomers (p<0.05). According to the results of this study, corn grain processing with a density of 350 g / l had a better response to most of the studied parameters than other densities and without having a negative impact on calf performance was able to improve some performance, blood and rumen parameters of calves.