Uso del maíz y la harina de yuca en mezclas simples para criar terneras de lechería

Abstract

Experimental data is presented on a growth study with 24 dairy calves, 14 females and 10 males, assigned at random to two treatments of simple-formula calf starters, one with 35% corn meal and 10% yuca meal, and another one with these ingredients in reverse proportions. Both rations contained equal amounts of copra meal, sesame oil meal, wheat bran, molasses and 5% skim milk powder. No differences were found between the two rations in gain weights from birth to four months. Gains favored the ration with 35% corn. Efficiency of dry matter utilization as well as palatability also favored the corn meal ration The feeding schedule in which these simple calf starters were used was successful in cutting the cost of feed to four months of age 100% over what the cost might have been with whole milk used to four months of age, at the rate of 10% of body weight to a maximum daily intake of 5 Kgs.