This article provides insight into rumen microbial colonization, which is essential for calves’ future growth and digestive health. Read

This study evaluated the relationship between the temperature–humidity index (THI), health and growth performance of Japanese black calves, by reviewing health data collected from nearly 20,000 calves and 60,000 markets weights. Read

A study showing how a grain-based diet-induced subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) challenge impacts the rumen microbiota of lactating dairy cows. The richness, the diversity, as well as the stability of the bacterial communities were reduced for SARA challenged cows. Both ruminal and fecal microbiota were changed, indicating that the rumen but also the hindgut microbiota are affected by SARA challenge. Read

An interesting study looking at the effect of feeding pattern on subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) severity and rumen VFA concentrations in dairy cows. Read

French scientists recently developed an innovative functional DNA microarray called FibroChip, which targets 392 genes involved in monitoring ruminal cellulose and hemi-cellulose degradation. Read

Moderately lame dairy cows tend to lie down longer, eat less and use the automatic grooming brush less often than non-lame cows based on a study of 17 Swiss dairy farms. Read

Subacute ruminal acidosis affects fermentation and endotoxin concentration in the rumen and relative expression of the CD14/TLR4/MD2 genes involved in lipopolysaccharide systemic immune response in dairy cows Read

A new multi-study analysis on the relationship between feeding behavior and lactating dairy cow performance shows that milk yield is increased by 0.02 kg per minute of rumination and confirms that milk fat is related to rumination time. Read

The quick evaluation of feed through near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIR) are becoming more and more common on farms across the globe. Read

During weaning, ruminal adaptation and nutrient flow to the lower gastrointestinal tract dramatically change and the gut structure, permeability and function are altered. Read