Effects of plane of nutrition and as-fed milk replacer temperature on abomasal dynamics in Holstein calves

Abstract

Fluctuations in as-fed milk replacer have been implicated as a potential cause of abomasal diseases, including abomasitis and bloat. As feeding preweaned calves a higher plane of fluid milk nutrition becomes increasingly common, understanding how specific feeding management factors affect the abomasal compartment will aid in optimizing milk ration development and implementation. The objectives were to determine the effects of plane of nutrition (PON) and as-fed milk replacer temperature (AFMRT) on the functionality and environment of the abomasum in healthy Holstein calves.