Effect of feeding pellet type complete calf starter combined with maize fodder and molasses on the rumen development of dairy calves

초록

The aim of the study was to evaluate the value of feeding a complete calf starter (CCS) pellet to dairy calves on the development of the reticulo-rumen. Twenty Friesian-Holstein calves (7-14 days old) with initial body weight of 42 ± 5.5 kg were used. The calves were housed individually and offered the CCS pellet for 7 weeks. The CCS was made of 60% calf starter combined with 35% maize fodder and 5% molasses. At 2, 4 and 6 weeks of ages, two calves were slaughtered. Concentrations of volatile fatty acids (VFA) and ammonia (NH<inf>3</inf>) in the rumen, and the number and length of rumen papillae were observed. All data were analyzed according to age as the main variable. DM feed intake, rumen concentrations of VFA and NH<inf>3</inf>, number and length of rumen papillae increased with increasing duration of feeding. It is suggested that the CCS pellet combined with locally available maize fodder and molasses was able to progressively develop the reticulo-rumen without any problem during the development. In conclusion, this study showed that feeding the CCS pellet to dairy calves as early as 7 days after birth could be a useful way to support the reticulo-rumen development. © 2016, Fundacion CIPAV. All rights reserved.

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