Effects of Farm Formulated Hay Feeds on Growth Performance of Heifer

Optimal nutrition during early life is critical for maximum growth and development of heifer calves. Farm-made hay feeds are widely used in small- to medium-scale farming due to their low cost and availability; however, their effects on calf growth performance are not well established. This study evaluated the impact of different hay types on growth performance in heifer calves. Twenty healthy 12-week-old heifer calves were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 5 per group). Groups A, B, and C were fed Kikuyu, Paspalum, and Desmodium hay, respectively, along with a commercial calf starter, while the control group received a commercial Total Mixed Ration (TMR). The trial lasted four weeks, with weekly body weight measurements. In week 2, weight gain was significantly higher in the TMR group than in the Desmodium hay group (p < 0.05). During weeks 3 and 4, the TMR group gained significantly more than all hay-fed groups. TMR-fed calves recorded the highest Average Daily Gain (ADG) with a consistent upward trend, whereas hay-fed calves showed a declining trend. Although TMR enhanced growth, body weights remained below optimal targets, indicating the need for improved diet formulations and optimized hay-to-starter ratios to achieve desired growth benchmarks in heifer calves.