Effects of 2 colostrum and subsequent milk replacer feeding intensities on methane production, rumen development, and performance in young calves

Abstract

A growing need exists for the development of practical feeding strategies to mitigate methane (CH₄) emissions from cattle. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of milk replacer feeding intensity (MFI) in calves on CH₄ emission, rumen development, and performance. Twenty-eight female newborn Holstein calves were randomly assigned to 2 feeding groups, offered daily either 10% of the body weight (BW) in colostrum and subsequently 10% of the BW in milk replacer (MR; 10%-MR), or 12% of the BW in colostrum followed by 20% of the BW in MR (20%-MR). In wk 3, half of each feeding group was equipped with a permanent rumen cannula. Both groups were weaned at the end of wk 12. Hay and calf starter (mixture of pelleted grains) were offered from d 1 until wk 14 and 16, respectively. A total mixed ration was offered from wk 11 onward. Feed intake was measured daily and BW, anatomical measures, and rumen size weekly. Methane production and gastrointestinal passage rate were measured pre-weaning in wk 6 and 9 and post-weaning in wk 14 and 22, with additional estimation of organic matter digestibility. Rumen fluid, collected in wk 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 14, 18, and 22, was analyzed for volatile fatty acid concentrations. Although the experimental period ended in wk 23, rumen volume of 17 calves was determined after slaughter in wk 34. Data was analyzed using ANOVA for the effects of feeding group, cannulation, and time, if applicable. Dry matter intake (DMI) of solid feed (SF) in 20%-MR animals was lower pre-weaning in wk 6 to 10 but mostly higher post-weaning. From wk 6 onward, anatomical measures and BW were greater in 20%-MR animals, and only the differences in body condition score gradually ceased post-weaning. Following the amount of SF intake, 10%-MR calves emitted more CH₄ pre-weaning in wk 9, whereas post-weaning the 20%-MR group tended to have higher levels. Methane emission intensity (CH₄/BW) was lower pre-weaning in 20%-MR animals but was comparable to the 10%-MR group post-weaning. Methane yield (CH₄/DMI of SF) and estimated post-weaning organic matter digestibility were not affected by MFI. Rumen size normalized to heart girth was greater in 10%-MR calves from wk 5 to 10, but differences did not persist thereafter. In wk 34, rumen volume was higher in 20%-MR calves, but normalization to BW revealed no difference between feeding groups. In conclusion, high MFI reduces CH₄ emission from calves pre-weaning, although this effect ceases post-weaning.

Keywords: calf; digestibility; methane; rumen cannulation; rumen size.