PSVI-17 Effect of Post-Ruminal Amino Acid Supply on Organ Mass and Small Intestinal Length in Holstein Bull Calves fed a Starch-Based Milk Replacer

Abstract Forty Holstein bull calves were fed 1 of 3 starch-based milk replacers for either 10 or 35 days to determine responses in organ mass and small intestinal length. Calves (87.2 ± 7.7 kg) bottle-fed a cornstarch-based replacer (727 g cornstarch daily) alone, with added casein (154.7 g/d) glutamate (45.5 d. Prior receiving treatments commercial 12 15 weeks so that measures length collected at the same day age. Measures achieved after euthanized digesta was removed. Duodenum defined as first 1-m caudal pyloric sphincter. Jejunum ileum cranial halves remaining intestines. Data analyzed using MIXED procedure SAS. Average daily gain 68% greater (P = 0.02) compared control, but did not differ from control. Mass omasum, abomasum, jejunum, ileum, heart, kidney jejunum affected by treatment ≥ 0.18); however, additions increased ≤ 0.05) rumen, duodenum, large intestine, liver, spleen. Greater duration spleen 0.05), there interaction 0.18). Interestingly, an < 0.01) jejunal ileal response duration. Length each segment lengths decreased control amounts time.