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The Influence of Pasture and Rumen Inoculation on the Establishment of Certain Microorganisms in the Rumen of Young Dairy Calves

Ohio Agricultural Experiment Station, Wooster, Ohio

ABSTRACT

Rumen inoculations with cud materials from cows on pasture were given six of twelve calves which were fed milk and placed on lawn pasture at 4 days of age. Rumen protozoa and certain bacteria, used as indicators of the presence of varieties characteristically associated with a high proportion of hay ingestion, readily were established in all inoculated calves. The bacteria were established in a relatively less degree in two of the calves which received grain supplement free choice. Protozoa did not develop in the uninoculated calves. Some characteristic bacteria became established in four of the six uninoculated calves by 6 wk. of age, but were limited to one of the observed varieties and were relatively few in number.

Characteristic rumen microorganisms became established only in relatively limited numbers in a milk-fed, uninoculated, 2-month old calf after being in a pasture for 7 wk. with four rumen-inoculated calves of similar age. The marked difference in microorganisms was rectified following rumen inoculation. Prior to inoculation, this calf had recurrent mild diarrhea and a comparatively rough hair coat while on pasture, but its percentage gain in body weight was almost equivalent to an inoculated twin.

Characteristic rumen microorganisms can be established in young calves on pasture when they are inoculated with cud materials from older cattle and when grain is not fed in excessive amounts. Calves possibly may be limited somewhat in their ability to utilize certain pastures, if characteristic rumen microorganisms are lacking.

The authors wish to acknowledge the assistance of John Tate, R. L. Johnson and C. E. Knoop in conducting this investigation.