The work was carried out to evaluate the body composition and the net requirements of protein and energy for weight gain of dairy calves in the beginning of the productive life were determined. Eighteen Holstein bulls calves at newly born to 110 days of age weighing between 30 and 100 kg were used. Six animals were slaughtered at the beginning of the experiment (to birth) and other twelve animals were full fed until a pre-established slaughter of age. Six animals were slaughtered when completed 50 days and six when completed 110 days of age. Regression analysis of the logarithm of protein, fat and energy corporal amount in function of the empty body weight (EBW) logarithm were fitted. The net requirements of protein and energy for weight gain were obtained by derivation of the prediction equations of corporal composition. The body content of protein, fat and energy increased in according to the LW increase. The net requirements of protein and energy for empty body weight gain (EBWG) increased as the empty body weight changes from 27.57 to 74.27 kg. The net requirements changed from 200.60 to 229.21 g/kg EBWG for protein, from 1.93 to 2.99 Mcal/kg EBWG for energy.
empty body weight; holstein; live weight; nutritional requirements
