Effects of Different Feeding Methods on Behaviors, Immunities and Growth Performances of Suckling Calves

Behaviors, immunities and growth performances of suckling calves to either fed milk through barrel feeding or artificial nipple feeding were investigated in this study. Seventy-two newborn female suckling Holstein calves were selected and divided into two treatments which fed regular milk through milk barrels or artificial nipples. The behaviors′parameters were measured on 14,29 and 44 days. Body weight and body size of the calves were recorded on 15, 30 and 45 days. Immune indicators were collected in quiet situation on 15, 30 and 45 days. Compared with the barrel feeding method, calves fed by artificial nipples had less non-nutritive behaviors, stronger growth performances and higher immune levels. Artificial nipples gave calves sucking conditions and reduced the motivation of calves to suck each other, which might promote the development of complex stomachs, allow food to be better digested and more effective. It also reduced cross-infection indirectly which increased the calves’immunities.