Effects of milk feeding strategies on short- and long-term productivity of Holstein heifers

Research investigating the effects of feeding raw or pasteurized nonsaleable milk (NSM) on heifers' performance beyond period supplementation is limited. This study aimed to examine type [NSM replacer (MR)] and pasteurization NSM preweaning first-lactation heifers born with low (<36.3 kg) normal birth weight (?36.3 kg). Holstein (n = 154) were sequentially assigned 1 3 treatments: MR, NSM, NSM. Heifers fed colostrum, whereas MR colostrum. The 1.4 L at each until they reached 36.3 kg body weight, 1.9 feeding. A grain mix starter was offered throughout study. weaned ?42 d old if consuming least 0.9 kg/d for consecutive days. Data analyzed MIXED procedure SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC), basic model included treatments, group, treatment × group. colostrum versus had lower serum protein concentrations. tended have greater concentrations hematocrit, red blood cells, eosinophils but lesser platelets, although some those responses temporary. Pasteurization increase lymphocyte neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, compared heifers. For first 42 life, gain, intake, feed efficiency earlier (hazard ratio weaning by 56 d: 2.90). These be sustained through 24 wk age, indicated gain hip height growth. In their lactation, produced less mature-equivalent (MEq) produce MEq fat than However, negative yield only evident in similar that when findings confirm calf management practices influence future performance; this case, failing pasteurize remained apparent more 2 years.