犊牛饲养福利关键点及生产意义

近年来我国奶牛养殖业迅速发展,犊牛作为发展养牛业的主要基础,也越来越受到人们的关注。提升犊牛成活率、规范初乳饲喂规程、降低犊牛应激反应,提升环境舒适度,是改善犊牛福利的主要措施。提升犊牛饲养管理福利,对奶牛终身产奶量的提升有积极的促进作用。本文从提高犊牛接产成活率,增强机体免疫机能,减缓机体应激,提高犊牛舒适度等方面综合分析了提高犊牛福利、促进奶牛健康养殖的关键点,旨在提升牛只健康养殖水平,为促进我国奶业蓬勃发展提供技术支持。     

Economic cost of difficult calvings in the United Kingdom dairy herd

Information on the losses associated with lower milk production and reproductive performance, as well as information from a survey of uk dairy herds using beef semen was used to estimate the economic importance of calving difficulties in uk dairy herds. The survey covered information on cow and calf mortality, cow culling and the need for veterinary assistance, the incidences of which were related to the degree of calving difficulty experienced. The total cost of a slightly difficult calving was estimated to be approximately 110 pounds, and of a seriously difficult calving between 350 pounds and 400 pounds, depending on assumptions of the veterinary costs. However, the major costs were associated with the labour required at the delivery, the increase in the number of days open, and the costs associated with the deaths of cows and calves, and cow culling.     

中国规模化牧场后备奶牛疾病与淘汰现状

后备奶牛健康生长对其未来生产性能具有重要影响.调研结果表明,呼吸系统疾病和营养代谢疾病是导致后备奶牛发病的主要原因,占比分别为46.0％和38.4％.而后备奶牛中发病最多的为哺乳犊牛,占比达51.4％.目前,哺乳犊牛发病率正在逐年降低,从2015年的43.3％降至2019年的25.4％.此外调研发现,造成后备奶牛被动淘...     

冬季犊牛马甲在奶牛场的与应用

为提高奶牛场冬季犊牛的饲养管理水平,降低犊牛的发病率,减少用药成本,北京市奶牛创新团队密云综合试验站在奶牛场开展冬季犊牛马甲技术的示范与应用。在饲养管理条件相同的情况下,通过4 个多月的试验证实,穿戴犊牛马甲的犊牛比同期未穿戴犊牛马甲的犊牛相比,瘤胃臌气、腹泻及呼吸道疾病发生率合计下降17.52％,治疗费用下降77.30%。每件犊牛马甲的成本为43 元/套,可重复使用,投资少见效快。     

The effect of unrestricted milk feeding on the growth and health of Jersey calves

This study was conducted to determine the effect of feeding high milk volumes on the growth rate, health and cross-sucking behaviour in group-fed Jersey calves. Three-day-old heifers (n = 120) in a seasonal calving dairy herd were randomly assigned to one of 6 treatment groups. Three groups received high milk volumes (HMV), consisting of ad libitum milk or milk replacer feeding twice a day, while 3 groups received restricted milk volumes (RMV), consisting of 2 l twice daily, during the pre-weaning period. After a pre-weaning period during which feeding was reduced to once daily, all calves were weaned at 42 days and monitored until 60 days of age. Adjusting for birth mass, birth date, dam parity and sire, average daily mass gain (ADG), both pre-weaning (days 0-42) and overall (days 0-60), was higher in HMV than in RMV calves (P < 0.001). After weaning, growth rates showed no differences and at 60 days of age the HMV calves maintained a 6.74 kg advantage in mean body mass (P < 0.001). The mean intake of dry starter feed was higher in RMV than in HMV calves. Overall feed conversion rate of HMV calves was 9.6 % better than RMV calves. However, the variable cost per kg mass gain was 12 % higher for HMV calves. In the RMV groups 75 % of calves showed cross-sucking behaviour pre-weaning and 18 % post-weaning, whereas in HMV calves the proportions were 2 % and 7 %, respectively. There was no significant effect of milk volume on the incidence of diarrhoea. We conclude that the feeding of high volumes of milk to Jersey calves has a positive effect on growth rate, without compromising health or reducing solid feed intake after weaning. However, the higher cost of such a feeding system may limit its implementation.     

Long-term study of Cryptosporidium prevalence on a lowland farm in the United Kingdom

A longitudinal sample survey testing for Cryptosporidium in livestock and small wild mammals conducted over 6 years (1992-1997) on a lowland farm in Warwickshire, England, has shown the parasite to be endemic and persistently present in all mammalian categories. Faecal samples were taken throughout the year and oocysts concentrated by a formal ether sedimentation method for detection by immunofluorescence staining using a commercially available genus specific monoclonal antibody. Cryptosporidium parvum was identified by morphology and measurement of modified Ziehl-Neelsen stained oocysts. C. muris was rarely found in wild mammals and C. andersoni oocysts were never detected in livestock. Faecal samples from 3721 individuals gave cumulative 6-year prevalences for C. parvum as follows: bull beef, 3.6%; dairy cows, 3.5%; ewes, 6.4%; horses, 8.9%; calves (home bred), 52%; calves (bought-in) 23.2%; lambs, 12.9%; small wild mammals (rodents) living in and around farm buildings, 32.8%; small wild mammals (mainly rodents) living in areas of pasture, 29.9%. Animal categories with the highest prevalences also shed the highest average oocyst numbers per gram of faeces (ranging from 1.4 x 10(3) for bull beef to 1.1 x 10(5) for calves). Analysis of annual and seasonal data for each animal category revealed that patterns of infection were variable and sporadic; this means that short-term sampling was never likely to provide a true or representative picture. Seasonally combined data for adult livestock, young livestock and small wild mammals showed all three categories tended to have the highest Cryptosporidium prevalences in the autumn. Calves were separated from their dams within 24h of birth and yet showed high prevalence of infection in most years despite the low prevalence for the dairy herd. It is possible the coincidence of high autumn prevalence in mice with the main period for the rearing of calves contributed to the infection of the latter. The farming estate was used to teach students of agriculture and took pride in good land management and husbandry practices that produced well fed and healthy livestock. The data from this estate may represent, therefore, the baseline, the lowest possible levels to be expected, for Cryptosporidium infection and oocyst production on a lowland farm in the United Kingdom.     

Spirometric performance in Belgian Blue calves: I. Effects on economic losses due to the bovine respiratory disease complex

The aim of this study was to determine whether high spirometric performances in calves are associated with low economic losses due to the bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC). Five spirometric variables (SV) were measured in 909 double-muscled Belgian Blue calves from 15 to 60 d of age. Afterward, calves were monitored for 6 mo to determine whether they developed BRDC and to determine the costs due to BRDC (i.e., medicine costs and veterinarians' fees, plus estimated financial losses due to mortality in case of death). To analyze the effects of spirometric performances on BRDC cost, a fixed linear model was used for each SV. In addition to SV, each model included the effects of sex, dam's parity, vaccination status, muscular development score, herd-period, and BW. Only herd-period and the maximal ventilation and the vital capacity had significant effects on costs due to BRDC, indicating that these two SV are major physiological determinants of economic losses associated with BRDC. Accordingly, it is assumed that an amelioration of maximal ventilation and vital capacity could result in increased resistance to BRDC in calves.     

代乳粉对早期断奶犊牛生长的影响

旨在评价饲喂代乳粉对早期断奶犊牛生长及培育成本的影响。选取体重相近的新生犊牛45头,随机分为试验1组、试验2组和对照组;试验1组饲喂A品牌代乳粉,试验2组饲喂B品牌代乳粉,对照组饲喂牛场产鲜牛奶;测定各组实验犊牛的出生体重、1月龄体重和50日龄断奶体重;计算并比较各组犊牛培育成本。结果表明,各组犊牛的出生体重和1日龄体重差异不显著（P〉0.05）;试验1组和试验2组犊牛的50日龄断奶体重分别比对照组增加5.12、2.86 kg,且试验1组与对照组相比差异显著（P〈0.05）;试验1组和试验2组犊牛的平均日增重分别比对照组增加0.14、0.07 kg,且试验1组和对照组相比差异显著（P〈0.05）;试验1组与试验2组平均每头犊牛分别比对照组节约饲养成本198.8、222.0元。综上提示,使用代乳粉能够促进犊牛生长,降低犊牛的培育成本,提高养殖场的经济效益。     

Canadian veterinarians' use of analgesics in cattle, pigs, and horses in 2004 and 2005

Anecdotal evidence suggests that many veterinarians may not use analgesics in livestock for routine surgical procedures or painful disease states. To investigate this, we conducted a national mail survey of a random sample of 1431 Canadian veterinarians (response rate, 50.1%). Questions primarily concerned veterinarians' analgesic usage for common surgeries and medical conditions in beef and dairy cattle, pigs, and horses, and attitudes toward pain management. More than 90% of veterinarians used analgesic drugs for equine surgeries, for cesarean section in sows and cows, and for bovine claw amputation and omentopexy. However, in these and other categories, the analgesics used were often inadequate, and many veterinarians did not give analgesics to young animals. When castrated, < 0.001% of piglets received analgesia, compared with 6.9% of beef calves and 18.7% of dairy calves < or = 6 mo of age, 19.9% of beef calves and 33.2% of dairy calves > 6 mo of age, and 95.8% of horses. Respondents largely agreed that there are no long-acting, cost-effective analgesics available for use in livestock (median rating 8/10; interquartile range 4-9), and that the long or unknown withdrawal periods of some drugs outweighed the benefits of using them (median rating 7/10; interquartile range 4-9). The results indicate an urgent need for veterinarians to manage pain in livestock better. Continuing education would help, as would an increase in the number of approved, cost-effective analgesic drugs with known withdrawal periods.     

中美奶牛养殖成本收益比较分析

由于我国奶业转型发展仍存在原料奶成本高、乳制品竞争力弱等问题,奶业提质增效一直是政府和社会广泛关注的问题。本文利用2018—2021年奶牛养殖调研数据以及官方统计数据,比较分析了中美两国奶牛养殖成本构成以及成本收益情况。结果表明,我国奶牛养殖公斤奶成本明显高于美国,但差距不断缩小;饲料成本在两国奶牛养殖成本比重差异较大,中国平均占比为67.1%,美国为47.4%;中国在机械化和智能化设备方面投入明显少于美国,但美国奶牛养殖收益明显少于中国,且近几年一直处于亏损状态。大规模养殖场在成本和收益方面具有明显优势,大规模养殖场能更大程度发挥机械和智能化设备投入带来的规模经济。我国应加快发展优质饲草料产业,从根本上降低奶牛养殖成本、提高养殖收益;稳步提升奶业发展科技水平,增加机械和智能化设备投入,促进奶业现代化高质量发展。     

Economic analysis of feeding pasteurized nonsaleable milk versus conventional milk replacer to dairy calves

OBJECTIVE: To determine growth, morbidity, and mortality rates in dairy calves fed pasteurized nonsaleable milk versus commercial milk replacer and compare economics of feeding pasteurized nonsaleable milk versus commercial milk replacer in dairy calves. DESIGN: Clinical trial. ANIMALS: 438 dairy calves. PROCEDURE: Calves were assigned at 1 to 2 days of age to be fed pasteurized nonsaleable milk or a commercial milk replacer until weaned. Body weight was measured at the time of study enrollment and at the time of weaning, and any medical treatments administered and deaths that occurred prior to weaning were recorded. A partial budget model was developed to examine the economics of feeding pasteurized nonsaleable milk versus commercial milk replacer. RESULTS: Calves fed conventional milk replacer had significantly lower rates of gain (-0.12 kg/d [-0.26 lb/d]), lower weaning weights (-5.6 kg [-12.3 lb]), higher risk for treatment during the summer and winter months (odds ratio [OR], 3.99), and higher risk of death during the winter months (OR, 29.81) than did calves fed pasteurized nonsaleable milk. The estimated savings of feeding pasteurized nonsaleable milk, compared with milk replacer, was dollars 0.69/calf per day. The estimated number of calves needed to economically justify the nonsaleable milk pasteurization system was 23 calves/d. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that dairy calves fed pasteurized nonsaleable milk have a higher growth rate and lower morbidity and mortality rates than do calves fed conventional milk replacer. Feeding pasteurized nonsaleable milk could be an economically viable strategy for dairy calf producers.     

The effect of group size on health and growth rate of Swedish dairy calves housed in pens with automatic milk-feeders

Group pens equipped with automatic milk-feeding systems are increasingly being used for young dairy calves in Sweden. The system is, however, associated with an increased risk of clinical respiratory-tract disease and a reduced growth rate. In an experimental study we compared the health and growth rate of two different group sizes of calves (6-9 versus 12-18) kept in pens with automatic milk-feeders. The experiment was performed from September 2002 to February 2004, in nine commercial dairy farms in south-west Sweden. Each farm was equipped with two pens with automatic milk-feeders and no possibility of direct contact between calves from different pens. The calves were housed individually until 3-35 (median, 12) days of age, and then were allocated to one of the two group pens by random-number lists. Altogether 892 calves were studied: 297 in the small- and 595 in the large-sized groups. The calves' heart girths were measured at birth and at 56 days of age. Blood samples for analysis of serum haptoglobin concentration (S-Hp) were collected once for each calf, at four to eight weeks of age. Diseases were recorded by the farmers and by a veterinarian, who visited the farms every third week and physically examined all the calves. The effects of group size on the risks of diarrhoea, clinical respiratory-tract disease and increased respiratory sounds, and on the growth rate and S-Hp were evaluated using multiple logistic- and linear-regression models with herd as fixed effect. Age at transfer to group pen, breed, immunoglobulin concentration of colostrum received, parity of the dam and presence of diarrhoea before transfer to the group pen, season, sex, year, and, in the analysis of growth rate, birth heart girth were extra explanatory variables. Calves in pens for 12-18 calves had a higher incidence of respiratory illness (OR: 1.4) and grew 0.022 cm/day less than calves housed in groups of 6-9 animals (equivalent to approximately 40 g/day). We detected no differences between calves kept in the small-sized versus the large-sized groups in terms of risk of diarrhoea or mean S-Hp. We concluded that housing calves in groups of under 10 calves is preferable from a health and growth perspective.     

Feeding dairy calves and replacement heifers in South-western Sweden: a survey

Daily feed rations, their nutrient contents and live weight gains were recorded for calves and replacement heifers from birth to calving in 122 Swedish dairy herds. Preweaned calves were fed whole milk (45% of the herds), milk replacer alone or milk replacer combined with whole milk. Calf starters were the most frequently used concentrates for preweaned calves, whereas grain dominated for weaned calves and heifers. Grain was supplemented with protein concentrates until 6 months of age and at calving. Grass/clover hay was the dominant forage for preweaned calves, whereas grass/clover silage alone or in combination with hay was the most common forage for calves and replacement heifers from 6 months of age. Heifers grazed semi-natural grasslands, leys or a combination of semi-natural grasslands and leys in 33, 15 and 52% of the herds, respectively. According to Swedish recommendations, calves in a majority of the herds were fed too low concentrations of crude protein from weaning to 6 months of age and calves were fed too low a metabolizable energy content inadequate for a daily weight gain of 700 g at weaning. Median live weight gain from birth to calving was only 567 g per day. Correct feed ration formulations and strategic grazing management could be means to increase weight gain and hence to decrease rearing costs of calves and replacement heifers in Swedish dairy herds.     

Estimating the costs of rearing young dairy cattle in the Netherlands using a simulation model that accounts for uncertainty related to diseases

The costs of rearing young dairy cattle are a part of the cost of the price of milk, as rearing produces the future dairy cows. As most dairy farmers are not aware of the rearing costs, the rearing of dairy replacements often does not get the attention it deserves. Calculating the distribution of the rearing costs throughout the rearing process is difficult as the costs are correlated with biological processes, such as variation in growth rate and disease uncertainty. In this study, a calf level simulation model was built to estimate the rearing costs and their distribution from 2 weeks of age until first calving in the Netherlands. The uncertainties related to calf diseases (calf scours and bovine respiratory disease) were included, in which both the probabilities of disease and the effects of diseases (growth reduction) differ at different ages. In addition, growth was modeled stochastically and in a detailed manner using a two-phase growth function. The total cost of rearing young dairy cattle was estimated as €1567 per successfully reared heifer and varied between €1423 and €1715. Reducing the age of first calving by 1 month reduced the total cost between 2.6% and 5.7%. The difference in the average cost of rearing between heifers that calved at 24 months and those calving at 30 months was €400 per heifer reared. Average rearing costs were especially influenced by labor efficiency and cost of feed. The rearing costs of a heifer that experienced disease at least once (20% of the simulated heifers) were on average €95 higher than those of healthy heifers. Hence, for an individual diseased heifer, disease costs can be rather high, while the relative contribution to the average rearing cost for a standard Dutch dairy farm is low (approx. 3%). Overall, the model developed proved to be a useful tool to investigate the total cost of rearing young dairy cattle, providing insights to dairy farmers with respect to the cost-efficiency of their own rearing management.     

Bioequivalence study in calves of three commercial penicillin/ dihydrostreptomycin fixed combination products for intramuscular injection

A bioequivalence study with three penicillin/dihydrostreptomycin fixed combination products for intramuscular administration was performed in dairy calves. In addition to plasma concentrations of penicillin and dihydrostreptomycin, creatine phosphokinase concentrations were determined during a period of 72 h after administration of the drug products. Considerable differences were observed in the pharmacokinetics of penicillin from the three products. Although the extent of absorption was similar for all products, one product showed a significantly slower release from the site of injection. Except for the AUC , the 90% confidence intervals for these parameters exceeded the acceptable range of 0.80-1.20. Therefore, these products are not bioequivalent with respect to the rate of absorption of penicillin. Concerning the pharmacokinetics of dihydrostreptomycin in calves, it could not be concluded that the products were bioequivalent, since the 90% confidence intervals of the ratios for C _max, t _max and MRT exceeded the range of 0.80-1.20. From this study in calves, it was also found that the product with the slowest release of penicillin from the injection site caused the most severe tissue damage, based on plasma creatine phosphokinase concentrations. Comparing the results from this study in calves with those from a previous study in rabbits, it can be concluded that the rabbit is a good animal model that could substitute for large animals, at least calves, in bioequivalence studies for penicillin/dihydrostreptomycin fixed combination products.     

哺乳期犊牛小群饲养模式的相关研究进展

犊牛小群饲养和自动饲喂系统因能够显著提高犊牛福利和大幅降低劳动力成本的优势正在受到越来越多国内外牧场的青睐.本文总结了关于犊牛小群饲养模式的相关研究进展,并针对小群饲养模式对犊牛健康、生长发育及行为学等方面的影响进行了概括,以供牧场在生产实践中参考使用.     

Blood oxygen binding in double-muscled calves and dairy calves with conventional muscle conformation

OBJECTIVE: To assess in vivo blood oxygen binding in double-muscled calves and dairy calves with conventional muscle conformation. ANIMALS: 58 dairy and 48 double-muscled calves. PROCEDURE: Calves were classified as neonatal (24 hours old) or older calves (2 to 26 days old). Venous and arterial blood samples were collected, and hemoglobin concentration, pH, PCO2, and PO2 were determined. Blood oxygen equilibrium curves (OEC) under standard conditions were constructed, and the oxygen exchange fraction (OEF) and the amount of oxygen released at the tissue level by 100 ml of blood (OEF Vol%) were calculated. RESULTS: In each breed, partial pressure of oxygen at 50% saturation of hemoglobin (P50) under standard conditions was significantly higher in older than in neonatal calves, indicating a right shift in OEC with age. Venous P50 was significantly lower in neonatal double-muscled calves than in neonatal dairy calves, but arterial and venous P50 were significantly higher in older double-muscled calves than in older dairy calves. In double-muscled, but not in dairy, calves, OEF was significantly higher in older than in neonatal calves. In neonatal calves, OEF Vol% was not significantly different between breeds, but OEF Vol% was significantly higher in older double-muscled calves than in older dairy calves. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The lower OEF in neonatal double-muscled calves, compared with dairy calves, could contribute to the higher sensitivity of double-muscled calves to hypoxia. Blood oxygen affinity decreased with age, but OEF and OEF Vol% were unchanged with age in dairy calves, whereas they increased with age in double-muscled calves.     

Investigation of calf health and welfare on dairy farms in south-west England

A questionnaire was designed to investigate calf health and welfare on dairy farms in the south west of England with regard to the degree of compliance with the Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Regulations 2000. The level of veterinary involvement in calf rearing and management on dairy farms in the south west of England was also assessed. The questionnaire was sent to 32 large animal practices in the catchment area of the Veterinary Laboratories Agency--Langford. Compliance with the regulations was found to be variable. The requirements for the isolation of sick calves, provision of bovine colostrum within six hours of birth, the provision of fresh, clean water and restrictions concerning tethering were not well complied with. However, the requirements for twice-daily feeding and inspection, visual and tactile contact between calves, access to forage and the provision of clean, dry bedding were well complied with. The results also suggested that there was some lack of veterinary input into the health and welfare of calves on dairy farms visited by the practices routinely and non-routinely.     

An economic model to evaluate the mitigation programme for bovine viral diarrhoea in Switzerland

Economic analyses are indispensable as sources of information to help policy makers make decisions about mitigation resource use. The aim of this study was to conduct an economic evaluation of the Swiss national mitigation programme for bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV), which was implemented in 2008 and concludes in 2017. The eradication phase of the mitigation programme comprised testing and slaughtering of all persistently infected (PI) animals found. First, the whole population was antigen tested and all PI cattle removed. Since October 2008, all newborn calves have been subject to antigen testing to identify and slaughter PI calves. All mothers of PI calves were retested and slaughtered if the test was positive. Antigen testing in calves and elimination of virus-carriers was envisaged to be conducted until the end of 2011. Subsequently, a surveillance programme will document disease freedom or detect disease if it recurs. Four alternative surveillance strategies based on antibody testing in blood from newborn calves and/or milk from primiparous cows were proposed by Federal Veterinary Office servants in charge of the BVDV mitigation programme. A simple economic spreadsheet model was developed to estimate and compare the costs and benefits of the BVDV mitigation programme. In an independent project, the impact of the mitigation programme on the disease dynamics in the population was simulated using a stochastic compartment model. Mitigation costs accrued from materials, labour, and processes such as handling and testing samples, and recording results. Benefits were disease costs avoided by having the mitigation programme in place compared to a baseline of endemic disease equilibrium. Cumulative eradication costs and benefits were estimated to determine the break-even point for the eradication component of the programme. The margin over eradication cost therefore equalled the maximum expenditure potentially available for surveillance without the net benefit from the mitigation programme overall becoming zero. Costs of the four surveillance strategies and the net benefit of the mitigation programme were estimated. Simulations were run for the years 2008-2017 with 20,000 iterations in @Risk for Excel. The mean baseline disease costs were estimated to be 16.04m CHF (1 Swiss Franc, CHF=0.73 € at the time of analysis) (90% central range, CR: 14.71-17.39m CHF) in 2008 and 14.89m CHF (90% CR: 13.72-16.08m CHF) in 2009. The break-even point was estimated to be reached in 2012 and the margin over eradication cost 63.15m CHF (90% CR: 53.72-72.82m CHF). The discounted cost for each surveillance strategy was found to be smaller than the margin, so the mitigation programme overall is expected to have a positive net economic benefit irrespective of the strategy adopted. For economic efficiency, the least cost surveillance alternative must be selected.     

Effects of housing and feeding systems on performance of neonatal Holstein bull calves

As the dairy industry continues to grow, more dairy calves are available for dairy, beef, and veal purposes. Rearing systems must be highly efficient to make this industry cost efficient, making the evaluation of rearing methods important to establish the most practical method. A study was designed and conducted to evaluate effects of housing and feeding systems on performance of neonatal Holstein bull calves. Treatments (2 × 2 factorial arrangement) consisted of: 1) individually housed, bottle-fed (n = 5 bull calves); 2) individually housed, bucket-fed (n = 5 bull calves); 3) group-housed, bottle-fed (n = 5 pens; 4 bull calves/pen); and 4) group-housed, bucket- (trough) fed (n = 5 pens; 3 or 4 bull calves/pen). Feeding treatments began on d 7 when calves had been acclimated to their new environment. Body weight measurements were collected every 7 d and blood samples were collected on d 0, 28, 55, and 66 for β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) concentration as a gross indicator of ruminal development. No housing × feeding interactions or feeding treatment effects were observed (P > 0.10). Average DMI (dry feed plus milk replacer) was increased (P < 0.05) for group-housed vs. individual animals after d 41, and final BW was greater (P < 0.05) for group-housed calves compared with individually housed calves. Feed efficiency and ADG, however, remained similar (P > 0.10) for all treatments. Fecal scores (P > 0.26), CV for BW (P > 0.26), and BHBA concentrations (P > 0.14) showed no differences among treatments. Housing system had greater effect on calf performance compared with milk feeding regimen.