Influence of Ration and Rumen Inoculation on the Growth of Dairy Calves

1957 
Summary Thirty-two new-born dairy calves were used in studying the effects of a highroughage ration and rumen inoculations on growth and development. The experimental treatments were imposed through four months of age. The control calves gained an average of 1.21 lb. daily; those restricted in grain feeding, 0.99 lb.; those fed similar to the controls and inoculated, 1.11 lb., those restricted in grain feeding and inoculated, 1.04 lb. None of the differences between groups were statistically significant. Restricting the grain intake resulted in a significant (P =0.01) decrease in the height at withers, but had no essential effect on chest or barrel circumference. Rumen inoculations had no significant effect on height at withers or on chest or barrel circumference. No significant differences were observed in efficiency of feed utilization (calculated TDN per lb. body weight gain) between treatment groups; however, the calves limited in grain intake consumed significantly less (P =0.05) TDN than calves allowed up to four pounds of grain daily. Restricting the grain intake did not materially affect the consumption of roughage. The inoculated calves did consume slightly more roughage than the uninoculated animals; however, the difference was not significant. The development of the reticulo-rumen, as judged by the decline in blood glucose, was not affected by the amount of roughage in the diet or by rumen inoculations.
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