The supplementation of more digestible starch sources and feed additives with coccidiostatic and growth promoting activities may improve pre and post weaning calves performance. The objective of this trial was to evaluate the effects of concentrates containing processed grains (steam-flaked vs. steam-rolled), with or without monensin, on intake, weight gain and blood parameters of baby calves, before and after weaning at six weeks of life. Thirty-two female calves were utilized on a completely randomized block, with a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement. The animals received concentrate ad libitum up to 2 kg/d, plus 4 L of milk. Calves had free access to water. After weaning, at the sixth week of life, calves received concentrate and chopped hay. The treatments did not affect concentrate or hay intake, final live weight, average daily gain, plasma glucose and NEFA cocentration. PUN was lower on calves fed steam-rolled corn and monensin. There was a significant effect of age on glucose, PUN, and NEFA concentrations. Only glucose and NEFA were affected by time after feeding. Addition of monensin or processed grain to dairy calves diet did not result on better performance, before or after weaning.
free fatty acids; glucose; ionophore; performance; plasma; urea nitrogen
