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Rumen development in Holstein calves
Feed intake in calves is very important for future production and health, but there are many issues that can influence starter intake such as weather, rumen development, and overall calf health. The objectives of this study were to observe the interaction of starter grain intake and rumen development. Data from 122 Holstein bull and heifer calves were collected from age 2 to 69 d, time of exit from hutch including fecal scores (1-3), DMI, medication, and milk intake. Daily starter grain samples were pooled by week, and analyzed for nutrient content by Analab (Agriking, Fulton, IL). Blood samples were collected from a subset of 38 calves and analyzed for glucose (Glu, mg/dl) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA, mmol/L) levels with Precision Extra (Abbott Diabetes Care, Inc., Alameda, CA) blood meters. At 1, 6, and 9 wk blood samples were also analyzed using a VetScan Large Animal Profile rotor (Abaxis Inc., Union City, CA). The rotor tested for albumin (ALB), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), calcium (Ca), creatine Kinase (CK), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), total protein (TP), and urea nitrogen (BUN). The Abaxis blood parameters indicate immune status and indirectly liver function (ALB, Glob, TP, GGT), liver and bone function (ALP, Ca, P, Mg), liver and kidney function (AST, BUN) and muscle damage (CK). Weekly outcomes, average DMI, average milk intake and blood parameters, were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS with repeated measured by calf, hutch and gender as fixed effects and random variable week. Hutch and gender were not significant but week was significant for all comparisons. Alkaline phosphatase and Ca were all elevated while AST, TP, and Glob were lower than expected values. Blood urea nitrogen and CK were within the expected range for adult cows and steadily increased over the experimental period. Total protein (P < 0.064), AST (P < 0.0001), Glob (P < 0.0076), BHBA (P < 0.0001), and BUN (P < 0.013), increased with increasing DMI. Glucose (P< 0.0001), however, decreased with increasing DMI. Increases in these parameters also show changes as the rumen develops. Therefore starter grain intake is an important factor for rumen development in a Holstein calf.
Keywords:
blood parameters, calves, rumen development