Effect of Continuous Feeding of Rapeseed Meal on Growth of Dairy Calves and Subsequent First Lactation Yield

Thirty dairy heifer calves were reared from birth to calving on rations containing 0, 6.8 or 13.7% rapeseed meal in substitution for soybean meal. The level of rapeseed meal did not significantly (P > 0.05) affect feed intake, weight gain or feed efficiency of heifers up to breeding weight (330–340 kg). The level of rapeseed meal did not significantly (P > 0.05) affect reproduction or milk production during the first lactation. However, there may have been a trend for lower conception rate and milk fat production during first lactation with the higher level of rapeseed meal.