THE USE OF ALFALFA PROTEIN (PRO- XAN) IN MILK REPLACER DIEST FOR CALVES

Abstract

Alfalfa protein was reconstituted for milk protein in milL. replacer formulations atfive levels (0)25) 50) 75 and 100 %). One growth and one digestibiliry trial were performed at each level. Three Holstein male calves) 3 to 5 dqys of age were .used in each trial. The calves were red only liquid milk replacers for five weeks in digestibiliry trials. Total fecal and urine w!lections were made in thefourth week. In growth trials) in addition to the liquid diets) the calves receivedfree rifchoice alfalfa hayand a calf starter. The caliJes were weaned in the fifth week and the experiments were terminated at the end of the eighth week. The average daily gains of the calves in the firstfive weeks period were: 220) 216) 187) 180 and 134 gfor the digestıon trials (P < 0.05) (ınd 519, 450) 506) 329 and 377 g for the growth triClls at 0)25) 50,75 and ıno % substitution levels) re~pectioely. Post-weanirıg gains were similar for the tril/ls ' and the levels. Appartnt dıy matter) nitrogen and energy digestibilities decreased as the protein substitutioTt levels were increased (P < 0.0 i). The average ıalues oj nitrogen retention decreased (P < 0'05) in the same directian. The meall nitrogen digestibiliry values were 85) 78) 77) 67 and 60 % in the above order. Thl' association between substitution [eve! and average daily gaill is [irıear and the average daily gain decreased 1.99 g tor every i % increase in AP substitution.

Keywords

• ALFALFA PROTEIN
• MILK
• PRO- XAN

References

1. Ankara Üniversitesi – Ankara Üniversitesi Veteriner Fakültesi Dergisi