Force-feeding and rumen acidosis in young calves

Abstract

Previous studies have shown that so-called 'ruminal drinking' due to dysfunction of the oesophageal groove can have severe consequences, not only in initially healthy veal calves, but also in new-born dairy calves suffering from various primary diseases. This paper describes the findings in 23 hospitalized calves (in 1989) with a history of having been force-fed repeatedly, 11 of them suffering from neonatal diarrhea, 12 being unable, too weak or listless to suck. The liquid feeds which had been used were cow's milk, milk replacer, nutrient-electrolyte solutions or so-called 'diet drinks'. All of them contained easily digestible carbohydrates. Rumen fluid samples were aspirated on the day of hospitalization and were indicative of acidosis in 20 cases and for putrefaction in 3 cases.