Inclusion of Molasses or Glucose Syrup in Starter Concentrate for Dairy Calves: Effects on Diarrheic Calves

Severity of metabolic acidosis and other clinical signs in diarrheic dairy calves fed a starter concentrate containing molasses or glucose syrup as a replacement for corn were evaluated. Thirty-two calves were blocked according to birth weight and were divided into four treatments according to starter concentrate composition: (1) Control, starter concentrate based on corn; (2) 5% of molasses as a replacement for corn; (3) 10% of molasses as a replacement for corn; (4) 5% glucose syrup as a replacement for corn. Animals were individually housed with free access to water and concentrate and received 4 L/d of milk replacer. Blood samples were analyzed and evaluations of fecal score, clinical score and physiological parameters were performed during the first three days of all diarrhea event. Starter concentrate composition did not negatively affect (p>0.05) fecal scores or diarrhea clinical signals. Blood gas, electrolytic and biochemical analyses do not indicated hydration, acidosis, or other metabolic disorders (p>0.05). However, higher level of molasses increased hematocrit (p<0.04), suggesting higher dehydration condition. Inclusion of these by products as a replacement for corn in the concentrate did not alter the animals' metabolism in response to the occurrence of diarrhea and can therefore be utilized in the feed without causing damage to the animal’s health.