Ad Libitum Water Intake by Neonatal Calves and Its Relationship to Calf Starter Intake, Weight Gain, Feces Score, and Season

Water intakes and other experimental data over 3 yr encompassing 335 calves raised under an early weaning program at the Purina Research Farm were summarized. Water intake closely paralleled calf starter intake particularly during the last 2 wk of the 4-wk feeding period. Calves with weight gains below the median daily gain of 272 g had reduced water and starter intake. Scouring, due apparently to rotavirus infection, peaked at the end of the 1st wk. Water intake did not change appreciably prior to or after peak scouring. Season of year had minor effect on both water and starter intake. In a feeding study with 41 calves, weight gain was reduced by 38% and starter intake by 31% for calves deprived of water. Extent and duration of scouring did not differ between treatments. Calf feeding and management systems should include ad libitum water to maximize starter intake and weight gain. There is no evidence that scouring will be affected negatively by water intake.