Effect of Early Establishment of Ciliate Protozoa in the Rumen on Microbial Activity and Growth of Early Weaned Buffalo Calves

Abstract

Thirty-eight female water buffalo calves were divided into four groups. In Group 1 (control) each calf received 340 kg of milk in 120 days. In Groups 2, 3, and 4 each calf was fed on 103 kg of milk in 45 days, plus a high quality ration which was gradually replaced by a low quality ration after 45 days, 75 days, and 120 days, respectively. Half of the calves in each group were inoculated with the rumen contents obtained from a fistulated adult buffalo. The establishment of rumen ciliate protozoa, microbial activity, and growth