When taking the weekly average, 6WW calves experienced
a 44% reduction in ME consumed as the
step-down occurred, whereas 8WW calves experienced
only a 21% decrease. This reduction occurred again at
weaning, with 6WW calves reducing ME consumption
by 36% and 8WW calves reducing by 14%. The ratio
of ME:gain was also reduced for both groups in the
week of weaning (Table 1). However, the reduction in
ME:gain and feed:gain was greater in 6WW calves (55
and 65%, respectively) compared with 8WW calves (14
and 20%, respectively) in the week of weaning (Table
1).