Influence of Level and Source of Crude Fiber in Calf Starters on Weight and Feed Consumption

Thirty-five calves were divided into 7 replicate groups with two each of Holstein males, Jersey males, and Holstein females, and one of Jersey females. Calves within replicate groups were randomly assigned one of five calf starter rations containing 5, 9, or 18% crude fiber, with fiber for the higher levels from either corn cobs and shucks or alfalfa meal. There were no significant differences among calves due to level or source of crude fiber in gains, starter or hay consumption at 8 and 16 weeks. The correlation between starter consumption and gain was r=.86 and between starter and hay consumption was r------.55 at 16 weeks. Editor.