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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
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Abomasum
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0
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0.5 – 0.6
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1 - 3
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1 : 1
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6
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4 - 6
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± 5
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1 : 1
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12
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15
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± 5
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3 : 1
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16
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30
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± 5
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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.
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Roughage
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The size of the fore-stomach with increase. sharply
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Concentrates
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The papillae in the fore-stomach will increase strongly in both length and size.
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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.
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