Relation of Ration Composition to Rumen Development in Early-Weaned Dairy Calves with Observations on Ruminal Parakeratosis

Abstract

The effects of adding salts of propionic and butyric acids to a calf starter ration were measured in terms of growth, health, ruminating activity and rumen development of dairy calves. Differences in weight gains and feed consumption to 39 days of age were not statistically significant at the 5% level of probability. The amount of feed consumed was closely associated with rumen development. All of the calves ruminated at 11 days of age; however there was no significant difference (P>0.05) between groups in the amount of time spent ruminating at either 11 or 25 days of age. Ruminal parakeratosis was more prevalent in the calves fed the ration containing VFA salts.