The digestibility of grass by young calves

Abstract

1. The efficiency with which Ayrshire calves digested the dry matter of fresh grass was measured over two trial periods extending from the third to the tenth week of age. 2. A statistical method for determining digestibility coefficients is outlined and its advantages over the conventional procedure, particularly for young growing animals, are discussed. 3. The mean coefficient of digestibility of the dry matter of the grass for four calves was 74·6%. 4. This digestive efficiency was attained immediately the grass was fed and did not vary throughout the experiment. 5. Simultaneous feeding of milk in the first trial period did not affect the digestion of grass.