Rumen Fluid Volume and Liquid Digesta Flow Rate in Cross-Bred Calves Fed on Hay Diets

Rumen fluid volume (RFV) and liqid digesta flow rate (FR) were determined in male cross-bred calves fed on legume and non-legume hay diets. In experiment 1 and II, the’ calves were fed ad lib on maize and oat hay diets respectively either alone (Gps A, D) or mixed with (1:1) cowpea/berseem hay (Gps B, E) or sprinkled with urea solution (Gps C, F). In experiment III and IV, the calves were fed ad lib on berseent and cowpea hay diets respectively, either as such (Gps G, J) or treated with HCHO (Gps H, K) or supplemented with synthetic saliva after feeding (Gps I, L). RFV and FR were not affected by dietary treatments in experiment I and II where non-legume hay diets were fed. The RFV and FR were significantly (P<0.01) increased when synthetic saliva was offered on legume hay diets. A positive and significant (P<0.01) correlation was observed between RFV and body weight, DMI and water intake. A multiple regression equation was developed indicating that RFV was highly dependant on body weight. DMI and water intake.