Influence of Ration and Rumen Inoculation on the Growth of Dairy Calves

Abstract

Effects of a high roughage ration and rumen inoculations on the growth and development of newborn calves were studied through four months of age. Restricting the grain intake resulted in a significant decrease in the height of withers, but had no essential effect on weight gain or on chest or barrel circumference. Rumen inoculations did not affect growth. Efficiency of feed utilization (calculated TDN per lb. gain) was not significantly influenced by grain intake or by rumen inoculations.