Early Transfer of Dairy Calves to Group Housing with an Automated Milk Feeder: Associations with Milk Intake, Growth, and Insemination Traits Under Commercial Farm Conditions

The objective of this study was to evaluate associations between early transfer to group housing with an automated milk feeder (AMF) and milk intake, growth performance, and insemination-related traits in dairy replacement heifers under commercial farm conditions. Data were retrospectively evaluated from 32 female calves. Calves transferred to group housing with an AMF on day 2 or 3 of life (Group 1; n = 14) were compared with calves transferred on day 15 (Group 2; n = 18). Linear regression models included study group and birth weight as predictors. Group 2 calves had greater milk intake during the first 14 days of life (p < 0.001). However, study group was not significantly associated with ADG until day 70 and body weight at day 365. Heifers in Group 2 reached successful insemination approximately 43 days later than those in Group 1 (p = 0.007), whereas body weight at successful insemination was not significantly associated with study group. Overall, early transfer was not associated with impaired subsequent growth under the conditions of this observational field study.