Starch source evaluation in calf starter: II. Ruminal parameters, rumen development, nutrient digestibilities, and nitrogen utilization in Holstein calves

Ruminal parameters, rumen development, nutrient digestibilities, and N utilization were estimated in Holstein calves fed starch from different sources. Ground corn, ground barley, ground wheat, and crimped oats were used to formulate 4 isostarch (25% of starter dry matter) pelleted diets. These diets were randomly allocated to calves (16 calves per treatment, 8 female and 8 male) and fed ad libitum along with mixed grass hay throughout the experiment. Ruminal contents and blood were sampled at d 35, 50, and 70 of age to estimate ruminal parameters and plasma beta-hydroxybutyrate, respectively. At d 70, twenty-four male calves (6/treatment) were randomly selected, euthanized, and forestomach weight, papillae length (PL), papillae width (PW), rumen wall thickness (RWT), and papillae concentration were measured. At d 63, twenty-four female calves (6/treatment) were randomly selected and moved to metabolism stalls to estimate total tract apparent nutrient digestibilities and N utilization. Female calves were given 2 wk for adaptation to experimental facilities and then total collections of feces and urine were made from d 77 to 84 of age. Ruminal pH at d 35 of age was higher in calves fed corn and oat diets than in those fed barley and wheat diets. Ruminal pH at d 50 and 70 of age was the lowest in calves on barley diets followed by those on oat and wheat diets and then by those on the corn diet. Ruminal total volatile fatty acid concentrations at d 35 of age were greatest in calves fed corn or wheat diets followed by those fed barley and oat diets. Calves on corn and wheat diets maintained greater ruminal volatile fatty acids concentrations at d 50 and 70 of age. Ruminal ammonia, acetate, propionate, butyrate, and blood beta-hydroxybutyrate concentrations were also greater in calves on the corn and wheat diets. Full and empty weights of forestomach, PL, PW, RWT, and papillae concentrations were greater in calves on corn and wheat diets. Daily average intake of nutrients (dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, starch, Ca, and P) was greater in calves fed corn and wheat diets than in those fed barley and oat diets. Starch source did not influence the total tract apparent digestibilities of nutrients in calves. Daily N retention ( g/d) was greatest on the corn diet followed by the wheat diet and then the barley and oat diets. In conclusion, calves on a corn diet have greater ruminal capacity to accommodate feed bulk. More physically and metabolically functional rumens in calves on corn and wheat diets probably resulted in greater feed consumption and N retention.