Milk is the most important source of nutrition for the young calf; indeed it is indispensable. The whole digestive system is designed to digest milk.
Energy source for growth
Both colostrum as well as Sprayfo settle in the calf’s abomasum. Just a few days after birth, the abomasum already offers an acidic environment. Under the action of acid and enzymes, part of the protein in the milk becomes divided. The other part will be divided in the small intestine. These products – amino acids – are absorbed by the calf and are primarily used to promote growth.
Enzymes in saliva are able to partially break down fats, with remaining fats broken down in the small intestine. The calf absorbs these products – fatty acids and glycerol – as a source of energy. Furthermore, carbohydrates (mainly lactose) are divided into glucose and galactose in the small intestine. Absorption via the small intestine provides the calf with an additional source of energy.
Rumen development of calves
Immediately after birth, only the abomasum will function. The components of the fore-stomach (consisting of the rumen, the reticulum or second stomach) are not fully developed and will therefore yet be functioning.
The chart below chart shows the stomach development in calves.
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Age
in weeks
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Volume in litres
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rumen and abomasum ratio
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|
Rumen
|
Abomasum
|
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0
|
0.5 – 0.6
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1 - 3
|
1 : 1
|
|
6
|
4 - 6
|
± 5
|
1 : 1
|
|
12
|
15
|
± 5
|
3 : 1
|
|
16
|
30
|
± 5
|
6 : 1
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As soon as the intake of solid feed starts, the rumen, which is present at birth, starts developing. This development depends on the entire dietary intake:
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Milk only
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All four stomachs develop proportionally to body weight. The rumen papillae, which are 1 – 2 mm of length at birth, will shorten.
|
|
Roughage
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The size of the fore-stomach with increase. sharply
|
|
Concentrates
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The papillae in the fore-stomach will increase strongly in both length and size.
|
|
Roughage + Concentrates
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The size of the fore-stomach with increase. sharply as will the length and size of the papillae.
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Early rumen development - optimal growth
Offering water, roughage and concentrates – along with Sprayfo easily digestible calf milk replacers – from the second week onwards improves intake of the milk replacer. This stimulates early rumen development, which ensures an optimum growth pattern. After weaning, the calf will be fully dependent on being able to digest feeds which need to be broken down in the rumen to a greater or lesser extent.
Oesophageal reflex
In cows and older calves, any water roughage and concentrates they have ingested land in the rume. Milk should certainly not be found in the rumen – rather it should go to the abomasum. In order for milk to be directed to the abomasum, the oesophagus must close as a result of the oesophageal reflex.
This reflex is triggered if:
- the calf drinks warm milk from a bucket
- milk is supplied via a teat
The milk goes straight to the abomasum via the closed oesophagus. If the calf ingests other nutrients such as concentrates and hay , and even water, the oesophagus will not close.
Favourable intestinal flora
If possible, a combination of organic acids should be used, together with key raw materials such as milk products and fats, in order to acidify milk. The biggest advantage is to lower the pH (degree of acidity) in the stomach. When the pH is lowered to a suitable level, decay and Coli bacteria are suppressed. This creates a ‘competitive advantage’ for the desirable milk acid flora. As a result, these will increase relatively prolifically, thereby raising a barrier against pathogens.
This beneficial effect on the intestinal flora limits the risk of diarrhoea and results not only in good digestion of Sprayfo calf milk replacers, but of roughage and concentrates too.
Skim milk powder
Skim milk powder causes the milk to coagulate in the abomasum under the effects of the acidic environment. This levels out digestion in the rest of the gastro-intestinal tract.
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