Response to novel feed in dairy calves is affected by prior hay provision and presentation method

Animals raised in environments that prevent natural foraging opportunities may show difficulties adapting to novelty, such as feeding and management changes. Our objective was to evaluate how early provision and presentation of forage in dairy calves affected response to novel TMR (total mixed ration; grain and alfalfa) at weaning. Holstein heifer calves were housed individually on sand and fed a diet of starter grain and milk replacer (5.7–8.4L/d step-up) via a bottle (Control, n=9) or given additional access to mountaingrass hay presented either in a bucket (Bucket, n=9) or PVC pipe feeder (Pipe, n=9). Treatments were applied from birth through 50 d of age when step-down weaning began. All calves had 3 buckets and a pipe feeder in their pens. On d 50, each calf was briefly blocked inside their hutch. TMR was put in the 3rd bucket that previously contained hay (Bucket) or was empty (Control, Pipe). The calf was released and video-recorded for 30 min. Neophobia towards TMR was affected..., Please see the associated research publication. , Please see the associated README file.Â