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Abstract
Objective: Characterize the feeding protocols and feeding costs, as well as their relationship with the body development of lactating calves until weaning in family milk-production units (FMPU).
Methodology: A prospective observational cohort study was carried out. The feeding protocol, and its cost were recorded, in addition, the daily gains in weight (DWG) and height (DHG) between birth and weaning of 193 calves (n=12 FMPU). The information was subjected to descriptive statistics and analysis of variance.
Results: In some FMPU, up to 5 feeding protocols were used, and calves with 49 and 138 days until weaning. The predominant feeding consisted of milk replacer plus starter concentrate (28.5%). The costs of the feeding protocols (1162 to 2395 pesos), as well as the DWG (0.346 to 0.721 Kg/day) and DHG (0.114 to 0.216 Cm/day), were statistically different between FMPU (P<0.01). The most expensive feeding protocol had a DWG of 0.555 kg/day and a DHG of 0.161 cm/day.
Limitations of study/implications: The nutrient contributions of the feeding protocols were not determined, consequently, whether they covered the calves' nutritional requirements.
Conclusions: In FMPU, there is a lack of standardization in feeding protocols and a high variation in their costs, as well as in the duration to weaning. The body development of the calves is suboptimal, influenced by the feeding protocol, where the highest cost is not reflected in the best body development rate.