Artificial feeding systems for calves in tropical conditions

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the bioeconomic performance of calves in the first 60 days of life submitted to three feeding systems. Twenty-four calves (Dutch x Guzerá) were used, 12 males and 12 females, with initial weight of 32.25±4.8kg for females and 36.92±6.8kg for males. The animals were distributed in a completely randomized design, in a factorial scheme (3 x 2). The calves received water at will and six liters of milk replacer a day for 60 days in three different strategies, called the suckling system (SA-30: 3 liters of milk replacer, twice a day until 30 days of age; SA-45: 3 liters of milk replacer, twice a day until 45 days of age; SA-49: 3 liters of milk replacer, twice daily up to 49 days old). The lactation systems studied did not present statistical difference (P>0.05) for the consumption and digestibility of nutrients, except for organic matter (OM) and ethereal extract (EE). There was an interaction (P<0.05) between the suckling system and sexual class for the OM and EE intakes, as well as for the average daily gain, in which HS 49 males presented higher averages in relation to SA 30. The bioeconomic performance of male calves from the lactation system 49 was superior and presented the best cost-benefit ratio among the systems studied.