The Influence of Pasture and Rumen Inoculation on the Establishment of Certain Microorganisms in the Rumen of Young Dairy Calves

Abstract

Usual spp. of rumen protozoa and certain bacteria, being used as indicators of the presence of characteristic rumen flora, readily were established in the rumens of 6 calves which were given rumen inoculations with cud materials and access to lawn pasture during their first 6 wks. of age. None of the protozoa and only limited numbers of one var. of the microflora became established in 6 similarly fed but uninoculated calves during the same period. The same microorganisms became established only in relatively limited numbers in a 2-mo.-old uninoculated calf on pasture for 7 wks. with 4 rumeninoculated calves of similar age. A rumen inoculation rectified the difference in microorganisms. Prior to inoculation, this calf had recurrent mild diarrhea and a comparatively rough hair coat but percentage gain in wt. was only slightly less than an inoculated twin.