Fermentation of a Mixture of Waste Milk and Colostrum for Feeding Young Calves

Milk from cows treated with antibiotics was mixed with an equal portion of colostrum and allowed to ferment; microflora, chemical composition, and feeding value for calves were compared with fermented colostrum. Twenty-two calves were allocated to each of the two groups by sex, breed, and order of birth. Milk feeding was to age 5 wk, and all calves were offered a complete feed mixture of chopped hay and concentrates ad libitum. Termination on trial was at age 8 wk. Control and experimental calves consumed similar amounts of milk solids (11.6 and 12.0 kg) and total dry matter (46.2 and 47.4 kg). Total weight gains to 8 wk averaged 19.8 kg for each group. Health problems were minimal and unrelated to diet. Chemical composition of the two fermented milks was similar, as were numbers and types of microorganisms isolated. Both milks contained comparable inhibitory antibacterial substances. Microflora from both types of fermented milks showed consistent fermentation patterns and primarily Streptococcus lactis and Streptococcus faecalis organisms. A mixture of waste milk and colostrum was readily fermentable and was an adequate liquid feed for young calves.