Early-weaned calf milk replacers. Replacing skimmed milk powder with other protein sources

Abstract

Replacing skimmed milk protein with other animal or vegetable protein in calf milk replacer prevents milk clotting and accelerates the rate of removal of proteins and lipids from the abomasum. The protein sources vary in their ability to stimulate abomasal and pancreatic secretions. Some proteins (e.g soja) can cause gastrointestinal allergic responses. The apparent digestibility of replacement proteins increases with the age of the calf, especially during the first month, but stays generally lower than for milk protein. More health problems and lower live weight gain are liable to occur when 25-50 % of milk protein are replaced, depending on the protein sources used, their essential amino acid balance and the production method. Practical rules are given to limit negative effects of non skim-milk calf replacer.