The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance and plasma metabolites of calves fed colostrum fermented under anaerobic conditions as an exclusive liquid feed during the whole milk-feeding period. After birth, eighteen Holstein male calves were housed in individual hutches and fed four liters of liquid diet, milk replacer or colostrum silage, divided into two meals. The starter feed intake and fecal scores were recorded daily, and body weight and blood samples for the determination of plasma glucose, urea nitrogen, free fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate and serum total protein were taken weekly. Animals fed colostrum silage had lower intake of starter feed during the experimental period. Significant effects were also observed for average daily gain and body weight. All blood parameters measured were affected by the treatments, except the total protein plasma concentration. The fecal score was affected by treatments during the second week of life, with animals fed colostrum silage presenting abnormal and very dry feces. Feeding colostrum silage as exclusive liquid diet during the whole milk-feeding period resulted in inadequate animal performance, being considered a bad alternative as milk replacer.
anaerobic fermentation; colostrum storage; fermented colostrum; liquid diet; milk-feeding
