Development of an Esophageal Tube Feeder for use in Calves

Authors

  • Rikke Engelbrecht Pedersen The Danish Agricultural Advisory Centre, Danish Milk and Livestock Federation, Dept. of Nutrition and Health, Denmark
  • Jørgen S. Agerholm Department of Pharmacology and Pathobiology, The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Denmark

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20035340

Keywords:

neonatal calves, colostrum management, esophageal tube feeding, colostrum intake

Abstract

Disease and mortality in neonatal calves are often the consequences of insufficient passive immunization due to inadequate colostrum management. Disease prevalence and mortality can be reduced if colostrum is administered by an esophageal tube feeder a few hours after calving.

The Danish Agricultural Advisory Centre recommends that calves expected to have insufficient colostrum intake, be fed a sufficient volume of high quality colostrum by esophageal tube feeder.

To improve efficiency of esophageal tube feeding and increase calf welfare and performance, an interdisciplinary project was initiated aimed at development of a user-friendly, hygienic esophageal tube feeder for use in calves.

Author Biography

  • Rikke Engelbrecht Pedersen, The Danish Agricultural Advisory Centre, Danish Milk and Livestock Federation, Dept. of Nutrition and Health, Denmark

    PhD-student

Cover image of the 36th Conference Proceedings: Holstein cows standing in a row at a fence. One cow has put her head through the fence and is curiously inspecting a pile of hay. Yellow background.

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Published

2003-09-18

Issue

2003

Section

Posters