Analisis Del Costo De Alimentacion Y Desarrollo De Becerras De Reemplazo Lactantes

The implementation of programs for feeding calves is one of the ways to achieve greater efficiency in milk production. The objective of this work was to analyze the cost of feeding and to evaluate the behavior of calves fed three commercial milk substitutes until the weaning stage. One hundred and twenty Holstein calves were randomly selected, which were separated from the mother at birth and housed individually in previously washed and disinfected wooden cages. The treatments were as follows: A: four L and B: six L milk with 22% crude protein, C: six L milk with 22.5% crude protein, and D: six L milk with 26% crude protein. The economic analysis included the price of the three substitutes and the cost of the initiator concentrate. The variables considered to estimate productivity were evaluated at birth and weaning, including: weight and height at the cross, daily gain and total weight gain. The daily weight gain was calculated by dividing the total weight gain by the number of days in lactation. Statistical analysis of the variables was performed using an analysis of variance and the comparison of means was performed with the Tukey test. The value of (P< 0.05) was used to consider statistical difference. Regarding the cost of food, treatment A was the cheapest and the least efficient while the treatment C was the most expensive and efficient. There was no statistical difference (P<0.05) in height at the cross at birth, weaning and birth weight; In the case of daily and total weight gain statistical difference was observed (P<0.01). Greater growth can be expected in heifers receiving a milk replacer that meets nutritional needs.