Carbohydrate Utilization in the Young Calf. II. The Nutritive Value of Starch and the Effect of Lactose on the Nutritive Values of Starch and Corn Syrup in Synthetic Milk

Abstract

Summary Nine neonatal calves were allotted to three experimental groups and fed rations consisting of synthetic milks which varied only in the carbohydrate component. Calves receiving corn syrup plus lactose ( KL ) gained an average of 28.33lb., those receiving starch plus lactose ( SL ) gained an average of 24.67lb., while calves on starch ( S ) averaged only 14.00lb. gain in 31 days. The efficiency of feed utilization, expressed as pounds of gain per pound of dry matter consumed, was 0.487, 0.412 and 0.204 for the KL , SL and >S groups, respectively. Serial blood samples were collected before a test meal and at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 hr. after feeding and analyzed for blood sugar. The blood sugar level rose rapidly after the ingestion of glucose, lactose or corn syrup, with the maximum concentration at 4, 4 and 1 hr. respectively, after feeding. Following starch ingestion there was no change in blood sugar the first 4 hr. and only a moderate increase at 6 and 8 hr.