Effect of Various Dietaries on the Anatomical Development of the Stomach in the Calf

Abstract

Twenty-seven newborn calves were allotted to three major dietary groups: milk (Group A) ; milk, hay, and grain (Group B) ; milk plus various substances administered into the rumen (Group C). Except when sacrificed earlier, calves received colostrum ad libitum from their respective dams for three days following birth. In Group A, three calves were sacrificed at one day of age, one at three days, two at 4 wk, two at 8 wk, and two at 12 wk. In Group B, three calves were sacrificed at 4 wk, two at 8 wk, and two at 12 wk. All calves in Group C were sacrificed at 8 wk. After sacrifice, each calf was subjected to systematic dissection of the abdominal region.