Development of the Digestive and Metabolic Apparatus of the Calf

Abstract

In the early weeks of life of the young calf, digestion and metabolism are in a transition state, during which processes typical of the monogastric change to those of the ruminant. Characterizing the transition is a rapid increase in the size and capacity of the forestomach (rumen, retieulum, and omasum) relative to the other organs o£ the digestive tract. Certain dietary factors have been shown to control digestive capacity and function, as well as enzyme and metabolic activities. This paper will emphasize comparative data between the nonruminating calf and the functional ruminant.