Effect of Dietary and Managemental Factors on Reflex Closure of the Esophageal Groove in the Dairy Calf

Abstract

Effect of dietary and managemental factors on the point of deposition in the stomach of liquids and capsules, fed by the nipple- and bucket-methods to 4 fistulated calves, were studied. Capsules 5/8 x 1 5/8 inches passed readily through the esophageal groove to the omasum when it was closed by concomitant feeding of liquids (whole milk, reconstituted skimmilk, reconstituted whey product, and water). Nearly all capsules, regardless of size, were deposited in the reticulum when no liquids were consumed. Consumption of liquids closed the esophageal groove in all calves the first 6 weeks after birth. Nipple-feeding caused closure of the groove for at least 13 weeks, whereas bucket-feeding was less effective after 6 weeks.