Influence of two pre-starter foods on the productive parameters of lactating calves

Abstract

Calves are the most significant category of a dairy production establishment, therefore, the purpose of the intervention was to evaluate the influence of two pre-starter foods (Nutrika Weaning and Ruter) on the productive parameters of pre-weaning calves through a study of comparative case (experimental pre-test and post-test with two randomly assigned groups). The parameters compared were weaning weight, weaning weight gain, daily weight gain, feed conversion and morbidity. In the case of weaning weight, significant differences were obtained in favor of Ruter over Nutrika (p < 0.05), although such differences had already been identified in birth weights and no differences were found in terms of weight gain, gain daily weight and feed conversion (p > 0.05). Given the case of weight gain, it is assumed that the differences found in weaning weight are due to the influence of birth weights and not to the consumption of certain pre-starter food. Regarding morbidity; two cases of diarrhea were recorded in the case of Nutrika; however, given the few observations, the influence of the pre-initiator on them cannot be attributed. In this way, no food showed a difference in terms of the other, except in the cost, which favored Nutrika, so the use of it can generate greater benefits for the farm in this aspect.