Effects of barley grain processing method (steam-processed vs. dry-rolled) on intake and growth performance of dairy calves

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the effects of barley processing method on the performance of pre-weaned dairy calves. The experiment comprised 12 bull calves which were offered either dry-rolled (DR) or dry-rolled plus steam-processed (DRSP) barley. During the pre-weaning period (from 14 to 56 days of age) the dry matter and energy intakes of the DRSP calves were higher than those of the DR calves (p<0.1). During weaning (56–70 days) and on average over the whole experiment (14–70 days) there were no differences in intake. The weight gain of the DRSP calves was 32% higher than that of the DR calves during the pre-weaning period (p<0.05). During weaning the DR calves grew 33% faster than the DRSP calves (p<0.1). There was no difference in gain on average over the whole experiment. This study indicates no need for steam-processing of barley offered to dairy calves.

Keywords:

• Barley grain
• barley processing
• dairy calf
• feed intake
• growth
• gain

Acknowledgements

For financial support I would like to thank the Employment and Economic Development Centre for Northern Ostrobothnia and MTT Agrifood Research Finland. I thank Mr. Lauri Jauhiainen for advice on the statistical analyses. I express my gratitude also to Mr. Matti Huumonen and his staff for their technical assistance and excellent care of the experimental animals. The personnel at Animal Production Research in Jokioinen are also thanked for the laboratory analyses.