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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Ithaca, New York » Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture & Health » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #131639
Title: AUTOCLAVED RUMINAL FLUID IMMEDIATELY AFTER BIRTH IMPROVES THE GROWTH AND HEALTH OF NEONATE DAIRY CALVES

Author
item Russell, James
item MUSCATO, T - CORNELL UNIVERSITY
item TEDESCHI, L - CORNELL UNIVERSITY

Submitted to: American Dairy Science Association Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/20/2002
Publication Date: 7/20/2002
Citation: RUSSELL, J.B., MUSCATO, T.V., TEDESCHI, L.O. 2002. AUTOCLAVED RUMINAL FLUID IMMEDIATELY AFTER BIRTH IMPROVES THE GROWTH AND HEALTH OF NEONATE DAIRY CALVES. AMERICAN DAIRY SCIENCE ASSOCIATION ABSTRACTS. 85(1):246.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Recent work (Muscato, T.V., L.O. Tedeschi, and Russell, J.B. 2002. The effect of ruminal fluid preparations on the growth and health of new-born dairy calves. Journal Dairy Science. In press.) showed that ruminal fluid (RF) supplements (8 ml per d) decreased (P <0.05) the incidence of scours in dairy calves that were consuming milk or milk replacer, and this decrease was accompanied by an increase in BW gain during the first 2 week of life (P <0.05). Because autoclaved ruminal fluid was also effective (P < 0.05), RF was not acting as a probiotic. When the time of dosage was decreased from 42 to 5 days, the calves still responded. A new trial was conducted to determine more precisely the minimum dosage of autoclaved RF needed to improve the health and growth of dairy calves. New-born calves were randomly allotted to 2 treatment groups (n =12). One group served a control and it did not receive any RF. The treatment group received 4 ml of autoclaved RF in the first clostrum via stomach tube. Both groups were fed equal amounts of milk replacer (7.5 kg/d, 3 feedings/d). Calves were: 1) inspected 5 times per day for scours; 2) weighed at birth and at 2, 4 and 6 weeks of age; and 3) weaned at 6 wks. Scours were defined as fresh fecal material that had a runny or watery texture and either a white or grey color. Calves given only a single dose of autoclaved RF immediately after birth had fewer scours days (0.5 versus 1.81 d/calf, P < 0.05) and gained more weight in the first 2 weeks of life (5.24 versus 2.84 kg, P <0.05). Because only a single dose was required, autoclaved RF is a practical tool for improving the health and growth of new-born dairy calves.