The effect of arginine supplementation and milk allowance on small intestinal development in pre-weaning calves

P. van Keulen, A.C. Welboren, M.A. Khan, F.W. Knol, J. Dijkstra, S.A. McCoard

Research output: Contribution to journalLetterAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

The gastrointestinal tract is an organ system crucial in feed digestion, nutrient absorption and protection against external pathogens. In this respect, changes in the structure of the small intestine in pre-ruminant calves are particularly important because it is the primary site of digestion and absorption (Blum 2006). Understanding factors that influence intestinal development is essential to inform calf feeding practices to optimise growth performance and health. Increasing milk allowance increases calf growth, but suppresses solid feed intake before weaning and, therefore, delays rumen development (Khan et al. 2011). In comparison to the rumen, development of the small intestine has received little attention in calf nutrition (Steele et al. 2016) and the effect of increased milk intake on small intestine development in calves is largely unknown (Khan et al. 2016).
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)88-90
JournalProceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production
Volume77
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jul 2017
Event2017 New Zealand Society of Animal Production Conference - Distinction Hotel, Rotorua, New Zealand
Duration: 28 Jun 201730 Jun 2017

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