The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of milk feeding regime on performance of new born dairy calves. Thirty Holstein dairy calves (12 male and 18 female) were used in a completely randomized design. calves were randomly allocated to one of the three treatments consisting of: 1)calves offered milk 4.5 kg/days 1 to 50 days, 2) Calves fed more amount of milk through step- up and step-down (milk feeding every ten days from birth were 4, 6, 8, 6 and 4 kg/day) and 3) Calves fed more amount of milk through step-up and step-down (milk feeding every ten days from birth were 6, 8, 10, 8 and 6 kg/day, respectively). Ruminal pH, ammonia concentrate measured at d 35, 52, and 70. Calves weight weekly and skeletal parameters recorded at d 0, 52, and 70. All calves were weaned at d 52. Data were analyzed using SAS statistical software and the MIXED procedure as a completely randomized design, and initial body weight was considered as a quvariate variable. Results indicated that total dry matter intake was significantly higher for treatments 2 and 3 (P?0.05). Average daily gain for treatment 3 was higher in comparison to other groups at d 30 until weaning (P?0.05). However, feed efficiency for treatment 3 was significantly lower compared to other treatments. Starter intake was greater for treatment 3 at d 30 until weaning and also post-weaning. Body length, heart girth, withers height and hip height were significantly higher for treatment 3 (P?0.05). Fecal score, diarrhea, and rectum temperature did not differ with treatments. Ruminal pH was lower for treatment 3 at d 30 until weaning, but there were no differences for ruminal ammonia, protein and DM digestibilities among treatments. In conclusion; the present indicated that novel milk feeding regime compared to conventional pattern improved performance of new born dairy calves. Keywords : calf, milk, performance, daily gain, weaning.
