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The Development of Calves Raised without Protozoa and Certain other Characteristic Rumen Microorganisms

Department of Dairy Industry, Ohio Agricultural Experiment Station, Wooster

ABSTRACT

The growth and development of four Jersey calves which were raised in pens segregated from other cattle were compared with 12 others which were inoculated with cud material from older cattle and raised at the same time on similar rations of alfalfa hay and limited quantities of grain.

The uninoculated calves failed to develop usual protozoa in their rumens and also some varieties of characteristic rumen microflora which were used as indicators of the presence of usual rumen microorganisms. One of the four calves accidentally received a partial rumen inoculation. This resulted in one type of the characteristic indicator microflora which readily is digested by abomasal fluids becoming established in its rumen.

Average gains in weight at 6 mo. of age were 229 lb. for the four uninoculated calves and 235.5 lb. for the 12 inoculated animals, a difference of only 5.5 lb. The calf which received the partial rumen inoculation had a neat and healthy appearance similar to the control inoculated calves, but the hair coats of the other three were much rougher in appearance. Their abdomens seemed deeper and "pot-bellied." The latter three had a persistent habit of nosing down through the bedding to pick up wet bits of straw. It was considered possible that this habit was due to a stimulus to seek inoculation of their rumens with substitute rumen microorganisms in the absence of the usual microflora and fauna.

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

¹ Present address: Bureau of Animal Industry, U.S.D.A., Beltsville, Md.