Method of feeding milk replacer with carnitine

Abstract

A method of the present invention includes feeding a calf a milk replacer at an enhanced rate with carnitine. The method of the present invention enhances weight gain, starter intake and reduces weaning time.

1 . A method of feeding a calf comprising: 
 feeding the calf carnitine in a milk replacer fed at an enhanced feeding rate such that the calf consumes at least more than approximately 0.284 grams of carnitine per day.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the calf consumes more than about 0.55 grams of carnitine per day.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the carnitine comprises L-carnitine.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the carnitine comprises an isomer or a salt of carnitine.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the milk replacer is fed at a rate of more than about 1.25 pounds per day on a dry basis to the calf.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1  and wherein the milk replacer is fed at a rate of between about 1.25 pounds per day on a dry basis and about 2.5 weight percent on a dry basis.  
   
   
       7 . A method of weaning a calf, the method comprising: 
 feeding the calf an effective amount of carnitine in a milk replacer in at an enhanced feeding rate such that the calf consumes at least more than approximately 0.284 grams of carnitine per day.    
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the calf consumes about 0.55 grams of carnitine per day.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the carnitine comprises L-camitine.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the carnitine comprises an isomer or a salt of carnitine.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the milk replacer is fed at a rate of more than about 1.25 pounds per day to the calf.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 7  the milk replacer is fed at a rate of between about 1.25 pounds per day on a dry basis and about 2.5 weight percent on a dry basis.  
   
   
       13 . A method of accelerating growth of a calf, the method comprising: 
 feeding the calf an effective amount of carnitine in a milk replacer at an enhanced feeding rate such that the rate of growth of the calf is accelerated when compared to a calf fed milk replacer at the enhanced feeding rate without carnitine.    
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the calf consumes more than 0.284 grams of carnitine per day.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the calf consumes more than about 0.55 grams of carnitine per day.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the carnitine comprises L-carnitine.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the carnitine comprises an isomer or a salt of carnitine.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the milk replacer is fed at a rate of more than 1.25 pounds per day to the calf.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 13  the milk replacer is fed at a rate of between about 1.25 pounds per day on a dry basis and about 2.5 weight percent on a dry basis.