Impact of manipulated rumen fermentation using buffers on the behavior of cross-bred calves

Buffers on the behavior of cross-bred calves

Abstract

Twelve cross-bred calves (131-221d; 57.5-93.9kg) were divided into three groups. One animal from each group was randomly allotted to one of the four treatments viz. T₁, T₂, T_3, and T₄. The animals were given grass mixture and wheat straw. The concentrate mixture contained barley grain and mustard cake. The amount of each feed ingredient for each animal was calculated based on the NRC feeding standard. Apart from this, each animal also received 20g of common salt and 25g of mineral mixture. Buffer in the form of sodium bicarbonate and magnesium oxide in combination at the rate of 0.00 and 0.00, 0.20 and 0.10, 0.40 and 0.20 and 0.60 and 0.30 per cent of LW were given in T₁, T₂, T_3, and T₄ respectively. During the excretion behavioral trial frequency of urine and fecal excretion during the whole day was divided into four quarters viz. 0.00-6.00 hours (Q₁), 6.00-12.00 hours (Q₂), 12.00-18.00 hours (Q₃), and 18.00-0.00 hours (Q₄) were recorded. During the trial animal intakes, ruminates, or rests in each quarter of the day were recorded after 15 minutes. Statistical analysis was done using factorial RBD. Results of this study focused that the frequency of fecal excretion reduced and urine excretion increased, the standing period became longer, rumination cycle and mastication decreased due to the addition of buffer in the diet. The rumination cycle was completed in a short period and the number of mastication involved in one rumination cycle was less in the last quarter. The time used to chew one bolus was longer in Q₂ and Q₃. Time taken per mastication was shorter in the afternoon session (Q₃). The overall conclusion can be made that the addition of buffer in ruminant nutrition (buffer feed technology) was responsible to reduce rumination in calves.