Authors : Wei Li, Yongli Qu, Jun Bao, Fang Wang, Yuanhu Yin, Sujun Miao, Xihan Yin, Xue Yuan and Yunsheng Han
Abstract: In the world wide, it is very common that calves feed Total Mixed Rations (TMR). In this study, researchers want to evaluate TMR feed plus early weaned whether it is one kind of burden to the calves’ digestive function. Thirty nine Holstein bull calves were randomly assigned to 3 groups: Early-Weaned (EW), Low Quantity Milk (LQM) and High Quantity Milk (HQM) to evaluate the effect of diets on the calves’ grow and rumen function. The calves were slaughtered at the 0, 7, 30, 60 and 90 days in each group. The activity of protease among the three groups increased with calves’ growth and activity in EW and LQW did not differ was lower than that in HQM. pH of ruminal fluid in HQW was lower than that in EW and LQM at the 30 and 60 days but did not differ at 7 and 90 days. The calves that were fed without solid feed before 60 days had stunted growth of ruminal papillae length (white colour). This study suggests that it could prevent the ruminal function from formation that calves only intake liquid food before the 60 days. Calves feed TMR and early weaned may stimulated the development of rumen digestion function.
Wei Li, Yongli Qu, Jun Bao, Fang Wang, Yuanhu Yin, Sujun Miao, Xihan Yin, Xue Yuan and Yunsheng Han, 2013. Effects of Different Diets on Digestive Function of Bull Calves. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 12: 1343-1351.