Ethological aspects of nutrition of suckling calves
2001
Broucek, J. | Kisac, P. (Vyskumny Ustav Zivocisnej Vyroby, Nitra (Slovak Republic))
Calves obtain milk from the teat by alteration of suckling and pressure. The frequency of suckling bouts ranges from 120 to 150 per min and the ratio of suckling and swallowing movements is 3:1. Vacuum in the mouth cavity varies during each movement from -10 to -61 kPa. In automated drinking the pressure in the rubber teat is 29.3 kPa, and vacuum 40.2 kPa and the number of swallowing movements is 2.2/s. Suckling from a rubber teat imitates better natural suckling than drinking from a bucket, because the drinking period is longer. If the head is lifted, milk flows directly into the abomasum. If tilted, a part of milk remains in the rumen and can cause indigestion. Suckling from cow's or an artificial teat strongly stimulates salivation. Mean suckling period takes 8 to 10 min and increases with age. There are 3-8 periods and the total time of suckling per 24 hours is 40 to 150 minutes. The frequency of suckling and the volume of milk intake depends on the milkability of the dam and age, size, temperament, endurance and the manner of suckling of the calf. A 6-hour drinking interval is the best one. Weight gains in suckling calves are higher than those in artificially nursed calves where the milk intake is limited.
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