The effects of manual and automated milk feeding methods on group-housed calf health, behaviour, growth and labour

摘要: Abstract It has been suggested that the integration of automatic feeding systems into calf rearing programmes potential to improve behaviour, growth and associated labour. Thus, objective this study was compare effects manual on health, A population 60 dairy heifer calves used: 44 Holstein-Friesian (HF) 16 HF x Jersey (JE), balanced for birth weight (33 ± 4.1 kg), date (26 January 3.2 days) breed. The experiment a randomised block design including two treatments; i) automated system (AFS) ii) (MFS). Each treatment replicated once, so total four groups 15 were created. Milk replacer offered at rate 6 L per calf/day (reconstitution 15%), with fresh water, ad-libitum concentrates hay from three days old. Calves weaned based (90 kg 85 JE). Total labour input/day consistently less AFS compared MFS (-00:01:06 calf/day). Automatic had higher requirement health inspections training (+00:00:15 +00:02:06 calf/day, respectively), basis, MFS. MFS-calves an increased likelihood experiencing faecal scores > 0 (Odds Ratio (OR) = 2.009; Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.463 – 2.759). also more likely defecate urinate (OR= 1.450; CI = 1.080-1.945), eat 1.281; CI = 1.140 1.439) socially interact 1.300; CI = 1.111 1.521), standing. There no difference in number weaning (80.8 (92.9 kg); average daily gain both pre (81 post (79 periods similar between treatments (0.74 0.70 kg/day, respectively). Patterns behaviours such as lying playing low levels abnormal found treatments. exhibited good normal behavioural patterns well rates. when managed appropriately, saving is distinct advantage have over their counterparts group-housed calves.