Effects of free-choice hay on intake and growth of Holstein calves fed a textured starter to 2 months of age

The objective was to evaluate the effect of hay offered for ad libitum consumption in calves less than 2 mo of age on intake and growth. Calves were fed diets without or with hay offered throughout the 56-d trial. Forty-eight calves (45.4 ± 1.18 kg of BW, 2 to 3 d of age) were fed a milk replacer powder (22% CP, 20% fat, DM basis) diluted to 12.5% solids. Calves were fed 0.55 kg of DM/d of milk replacer in 2 equal meals from 0 to 39 d and then 0.27 kg of DM daily (a.m. meal only) to weaning on d 42. Calf starter, long grass hay, and water were offered for ad libitum consumption. Hay and starter were fed in separate pails. Calves were bedded with long wheat straw. Intake of straw was not measured and could have confounded the results. The starter contained 42% whole corn, 35% supplement pellet, 20% whole oats, and 3% molasses on an as-fed basis. Hay was 14.9% CP and 55.1% NDF. Hay intake was variable and had no relationship (P > 0.1) with starter intake, BW change, or hip width change. Prior to weaning at 42 d, 25% of calves consumed 3 to 6 g/d of hay and 25% consumed 40 to 59 g/d. Calf growth was unaffected (P > 0.1) by feeding of hay. As starter intake increased, BW and hip width change increased linearly (P < 0.001; R2 < 0.40). In summary, free-choice long grass hay intake was variable and unrelated to growth of calves. This study provides more evidence that calves less than 2 mo of age fed a coarse textured calf starter do not require hay.