The Influence of the Ration and Rumen Inoculation on the Establishment of Certain Microorganisms in the Rumens of Young Calves

Abstract

Approx. 30 calves while between 3 and 42 days of age were fed milk and various dry feeds. Rumens of some were inoculated with microorganisms from mature stock. Rumen samples obtained with stomach tubes were examined microscopically in the fresh state and by Gram stains. Inoculations improved the establishment of microfauna and some microflora which associated with hay ingestion, but not bacteria which associated with grain ingestion. Grain ingestion appeared to inhibit hay varieties of microflora. Inoculations improved the general appearance of calves on hay rations. Wt. increases were rather similar in all groups except those on calf starter grain, which made greater gains during the last 3 weeks. Over 50% of the calves in all groups had attacks of diarrhea except those fed alfalfa hay and milk alone.