Observations of Jersey and Holstein calves with special attention to rumination and rumen development

The rumen plays an important part in the digestive process of the bovine species. Here the feed after being swallowed is stored, mixed, and softened with water and saliva, as well as subjected to bacterial action which aids in digestion. Because of the very important role of the rumen in bovine nutrition, it becomes increasingly important to study the development of this organ in the young animal.

A study of the young bovine stomach is of interest as it may relate to early feeding possibilities and to potential development and function. The earlier calves can he induced to efficiently utilize roughage the more economical a calf feeding program will be. Economy and efficiency in feeding the ruminant are based fundamentally on taking full advantage of rumen function with particular emphasis on the development which results in better digestion of roughages and the synthesis of high quality proteins and vitamins.

Although there has been extensive research on ruminants of various ages there is only a limited amount of critical knowledge of the factors affecting the development of the fore-stomach of calves and the importance that should be attached to this development. No reports based upon direct observations have been found which specifically outline the development of rumination.

In the investigation reported here young Jersey and Holstein calves were observed at intervals during early growth to note the various activities with special emphasis upon rumination. From these observations it was possible to get a picture of the progression of rumination as the calf matured. Several young ruminating and nonruminating calves were slaughtered for observations of the development of the digestive organs. The amount of glucose in the blood of a group of calves was determined and these data also were used as an indication of rumen development.