Effect of Milk Feeding Practices on Behaviour and Faecal Consistency of Dairy Calves

Abstract

Nutrition in early-life plays a key role in determining growth performance and long-term productivity in dairy calves. Higher milk  allowances have been increasingly recommended to improve pre-weaning performance, although their effects on digestive responses  and behaviour remain under debate. The present study was conducted to evaluate the influence of different milk feeding levels on  behavioural responses and faecal consistency in crossbred (HF × Kankrej) calves. The experiment was carried out at the University  Livestock Research Station in Anand, Gujarat, using 20 newborn calves distributed into four equal treatment groups. Calves were fed  colostrum during the first three days of life, followed by a standard milk allowance of 4 L/day during the first week. Thereafter, calves  were subjected to graded milk feeding levels of 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, and 7.0 L/day in groups 1, 2, 3 & 4, respectively from 2nd to 9th week of age.  Behavioural observations were recorded for 1 h after morning feeding, while faecal consistency was assessed daily during the pre-weaning  period (0-63 days) using a standard scoring system. Results indicated that calves receiving the highest milk allowance exhibited a greater  proportion of softer faeces compared to restricted-fed groups. However, behavioural indicators associated with discomfort, including  abnormal postures or pain-related activities, were not observed across treatments. The findings suggest that higher milk feeding levels  may influence faecal consistency without adversely affecting behavioural welfare indicators. Overall, calves demonstrated the ability  to tolerate increased milk intake without signs of stress under the present management conditions.