Rumen Fluid Volume, Liquid and Solid Digesta Flow Rate in Crossbred Calves Fed Different Types of Dietary Lipids

Four crossbred male calves fitted with cannula at rumen and abomasum, randomly distributed Into a 4x4 latin square switch over design, were fed on rations having optimum level of fat but varying proportions of free fatty acids (Gr. II), phospholipids (Gr. Ill) triglycerides (Gr. IV) and compared with a normal farm ration (Gr. I), having low fat. DMI was 4.43, 4.40, 4.33 and 4.30 kg/d respectively, in groups I-IV. Rumen volume (1/d) for liquid digesta was 27, 87, 27, 89, 27.93 and 27.92 and for solid digesta was 7.12, 7.19, 7.16 and 7.15 kg, in corresponding groups. Rumen volumes of liquid and solid digesta were not significantly affected by the addition and type of fat. The average percent DM disappearence was 53.92, 58.01, 62.43 and 60.16, in groups I to IV respectively. It is concluded thai the addition of fat has improved Slow rate and digestion of solid digesta in general and phospholipids in particular.