Performance and rumen papillae development of Friesian calves fed with pelleted starter or total mixed ration

The growth of the rumen microflora, the production of volatile fatty acids and the development of rumen papillae greatly depend on the type and composition of solid ration administered to calves during weaning. Aim of this trial was to compare the effects of two solid feeds, a starter and a dry total mixed ration (TMR), on intake, growth characteristics of 24 Friesian weaning calves (20 females and 4 males) and rumen papillae development in males. Results showed that total no significant differences were observed in the final weight and height at withers of the calves. The length of the rumen papillae was variable; only in the caudoventral blind sac the papillae were significantly different between groups. This difference might be attributable to the different weight and specific gravity of feeds.