How does starch content in starter impact calf gastrointestinal health and development during weaning?

There are gaps in our knowledge concerning calf nutrition when producers feed high amounts of milk to calves along with starter feeds differing in nutrient composition. Mainly, how these calf diets alter lower gut development and health during the pre- and post-weaning periods. This research will utilize pre-weaning calves to assess the effects of diets differing in milk replacer nutrition as well as starch/fiber content in starter on gastrointestinal function and structure as well as overall calf growth. The partner organization will benefit from this research by gaining valuable knowledge on calf nutrition that will be able to be implemented in their own business helping dairy producers.

Faculty Supervisor:

Michael Steele

Student:

Taylor Yohe

Partner:

Cargill Limited

Discipline:

Animal science

Sector:

Agriculture

University:

University of Guelph