Growth and feed efficiency of growing dairy replacement heifers supplemented with Rumensin or Bovatec (1998)

Authors

Michael V. Scheffel
A. Park
John F. Smith
Evan C. Titgemeyer

Keywords

Dairy Day, 1998; Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station contribution; no. 99-158-S; Report of progress (Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service); 821; Replacement heifers; Rumensin; Bovatec

Abstract

Ninety Holstein heifers were used to examine the effects of Rumensin® or Bovatec®. Average daily gain and feed efficiency was greater for heifers fed Rumensin® than for heifers fed Bovatec®. Heifers fed Rumensin® consumed more total dry matter per day but slightly less dry matter as a percent of body weight than heifers fed Bovatec®. No differences were observed in body condition score and hip height between dietary treatments. The primary goal of a heifer-feeding program is to obtain a desired rate of gain without fattening at the least possible cost. Results of this study support the use of Rumensin® in diets for growing dairy replacement heifers.; Dairy Day, 1998, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 1998;

Recommended Citation

Scheffel, Michael V.; Park, A.; Smith, John F.; and Titgemeyer, Evan C. (1998) "Growth and feed efficiency of growing dairy replacement heifers supplemented with Rumensin or Bovatec (1998)," Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports: Vol. 0: Iss. 2. https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.3239