9851: Suckling systems in calf rearing in organic dairy farming in the Netherlands
(2007) Suckling systems in calf rearing in organic dairy farming in the Netherlands. Paper presented at 3rd QLIF Congress: Improving Sustainability in Organic and Low Input Food Production Systems, University of Hohenheim, Germany, March 20-23, 2007.
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Summary
In an on-farm experiment three calf rearing methods were compared: bucket feeding of milk replacer, bucket feeding of tank milk and suckling of mother or nurse cow up to three months of age. Aim was to determine whether the technical results of suckling systems in calf rearing were satisfactory. Calves reared in a suckling system reached significantly higher liveweights at weaning (90 days). Although the average growth rate between weaning and the age of 1 year did not differ significantly, liveweight at 1 year did still differ significantly. Compared to both bucket fed rearing groups, suckling did not have a significant effect on Somatic Cell Count (SCC) of mothers. Suckling systems in calf rearing in organic dairy production show satisfactory technical results. Calves have the potential to grow fast and no negative effect of suckling on SCC or general animal health were observed.
| Document Language: | English |
|---|---|
| Keywords: | calf rearing, suckling system, mastitis, natural behaviour, weaning, liveweight, milk quality |
| Subject Areas: | Animal husbandry > Production systems > Dairy cattle Animal husbandry > Health and welfare |
| Research affiliation: | International Conferences > 2007: 3rd QLIF Congress > 4 Livestock production European Union > QualityLowInputFood > Subproject 4: Livestock production systems |
| Total budget (Euro): | 0 |
| Orgprints ID Number: | 9851 |
| Contact: | Wagenaar, Ir J.P. |
| Deposited On: | 11 March 2007 |
| EPrint Type: | Conference paper |
| Published?: | Published |
| Type of presentation: | Paper |
| Peer Review Status: | Not peer-reviewed |
| Additional Publishing Information: | The final version of this paper is published in: Niggli, Urs; Leifert, Carlo; Alföldi, Thomas; Lück, Lorna and Willer, Helga, Eds. (2007) Improving Sustainability in Organic and Low Input Food Production Systems. Proceedings of the 3rd International Congress of the European Integrated Project Quality Low Input Food (QLIF). University of Hohenheim, Germany, March 20 – 23, 2007. Research Institute of Organic Agriculture FiBL, CH-Frick.http://orgprints.org/10417/ Printed copies may be ordered from the FiBL Shop at www.shop.fibl.org. |
| Related Links: | http://orgprints.org/10417/ |
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