Ninety Holstein heifers were used to
examine the effects of Rumensin® or
Bovatec®. Average daily gain and feed
efficiency was greater for heifers fed
Rumensin® than for heifers fed Bovatec®.
Heifers fed Rumensin® consumed more total
dry matter per day but slightly less dry matter as
a percent of body weight than heifers fed
Bovatec®. No differences were observed in
body condition score and hip height between
dietary treatments. The primary goal of a
heifer-feeding program is to obtain a desired
rate of gain without fattening at the least possible
cost. Results of this study support the use of
Rumensin® in diets for growing dairy
replacement heifers.
