Effect of a Simple High-Fiber Feed on Dairy Calves

Thirteen pairs of calves including Jersey, Guernsey, and Holstein breeds were used to evaluate the effect of complexity and fiber content of concentrate mixtures for young calves.A simple high-fiber mixture containing 13.9% fiber was consumed as readily as was a complex low-fiber feed containing 6% fiber.No differences in tendency to consume hay were observed.All calves gained considerably more than the expected gain as computed by use of the Ragsdale standard (6), and no differences in rate of growth or general health were apparent.