Brad Heins, PhD
Assistant Professor
West Central Research & Outreach Center
University of Minnesota, Morris, MN
Our study was to determine the relationship between protein and energy consumed from milk replacer, starter and calf growth and first lactation performance of Holstein dairy cows. Growth data from 4,534 Holstein dairy calves and lactation data from 3,627 Holstein dairy cows were analyzed from 3 Minnesota commercial dairies. The study found a positive relationship between energy and protein consumed in early life and calf growth and milk production in first lactation.