Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 17, 2025
The Use of an Automated System GreenFeed to Monitor Enteric Methane and Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Ruminant Animals
Published on: September 7, 2015
Different feed presentations affect subsequent feed sorting and rumen pH for a short period in weaned calves
Jianxin Xiao1, Gibson Maswayi Alugongo2, Muhammad Zahoor Khan2
1State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Beijing Engineering Technology Research Center of Raw Milk Quality and Safety Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P. R. China; College of Grassland Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P. R. China.
Different feed presentations impact calf feed sorting and rumen pH short-term. While initial diets affected intake and growth, these effects on feed sorting and rumen pH disappeared long-term in weaned calves on a total mixed ration.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Ruminant Nutrition
- Calf Management
Background:
- Feed presentation strategies influence feed intake and digestive health in young ruminants.
- Understanding how initial diets affect subsequent behavior is crucial for optimizing calf rearing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the short- and long-term effects of concentrate-only, separate concentrate and hay, and mixed ration presentations on feed sorting and rumen pH in weaned calves.
- To assess the persistence of these effects after transitioning to a total mixed ration (TMR).
Main Methods:
- Thirty-six weaned calves were assigned to three feed presentation groups: concentrate (CON), separate concentrate and hay (CH), or mixed ration (Mix).
- Calves were fed their respective diets for 4 weeks, then transitioned to a TMR for 12 weeks.
- Feed sorting behavior and rumen pH were monitored throughout the study.
Main Results:
- Initial feed presentations affected dry matter intake and average daily gain, with CON-fed calves showing lower performance.
- Calves fed the mixed ration (Mix) exhibited increased feed sorting against long particles.
- While initial differences in rumen pH were observed, these normalized after TMR introduction, though a tendency for lower pH persisted in Mix-fed calves initially.
Conclusions:
- Previous feed presentations have a short-term impact on feed sorting behavior and rumen pH in weaned calves.
- These effects diminish over time, particularly after adaptation to a total mixed ration (TMR).
- Feed sorting behavior established early can persist, influencing digestive parameters even after diet changes.
