Research Ruminants Young stock
Herd and facility
For the research on young stock Schothorst Feed Research has access to around 150 calves and heifers housed in a renewed free stall barn under practical conditions. The barn is designed for group housing from 14 days of age. The youngest groups are milk fed by two automatic calf feeders. Body weight is monitored according to a fixed scheme, feed and water intake can be determined per pen.
Research
Below the different possibilities for research on young stock are described.
Objective
Determine the effect of for example:
- Feeding strategy
- Concentrate composition or – supply
- Additives
On among others:
- Feed intake
- Growth
- Age at first insemination or age at calving
Trial set up
Dependent on the expected effect 2 or more calves can be allocated to treatments, with 2 to 4 treatments. Calves are allocated on the basis of age. Results will be corrected for differences preceding the measuring period.
Standard observations
- Feed intake
- Body weight / growth
We like to consult you on further possibilities