Comparison of Two Physical Forms of Starter Diet (Meal vs. Steam-Flaked) on Growth Performance, Digestive Health and Rumen Fluid pH in Holstein Suckling Calves

Zolfaghari, Reza; Bayat Koohsar , Javad; Ghanbari, Farzad; Mostafaloo, Yousef

doi:10.22034/aer.2.2.1

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Volume 2, Issue 2 (5-2026)

Journalaer 2026, 2(2): 1-6

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Comparison of Two Physical Forms of Starter Diet (Meal vs. Steam-Flaked) on Growth Performance, Digestive Health and Rumen Fluid pH in Holstein Suckling Calves

Reza Zolfaghari

, Javad Bayat Koohsar ^*

, Farzad Ghanbari

, Yousef Mostafaloo

Abstract: (1023 Views)

Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of two physical structures of starter feed, namely floury (ground grains) and flaked (steam-flaked grains), on growth performance, gastrointestinal health, and skeletal growth indices in suckling Holstein calves.
Materials & Methods: This research was conducted on twelve female Holstein calves, which were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: floury or flaked starter. Body weight and skeletal growth indices were measured weekly, while feed intake and fecal consistency score were recorded daily. Additionally, rumen fluid was collected on days 21 and 45 of the experiment to measure pH.
Results: The results showed that although there were no significant differences in average daily weight gain and skeletal growth indices between the two groups (P>0.05), calves receiving the flaked starter had a higher mean feed intake. Regarding gastrointestinal health, the flaked group showed a significantly lower (improved) fecal score compared to the floury group (P<0.05). Furthermore, the rumen pH in the floury group significantly decreased on day 45, indicating a potential for subacute ruminal acidosis, whereas the pH in the flaked group remained within the normal range.
Conclusion: Overall, the results suggest that the flaked starter feed offers significant advantages over the floury starter by improving gastrointestinal health and rumen pH, even though no significant effect on weight gain and skeletal growth was observed over the short 70-day period.

Keywords: Calf, Flour starter, Grind grains starter, Structural Growth Measurement

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Type of Study: Research | Subject: Special

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Zolfaghari R, Bayat Koohsar J, Ghanbari F, Mostafaloo Y. Comparison of Two Physical Forms of Starter Diet (Meal vs. Steam-Flaked) on Growth Performance, Digestive Health and Rumen Fluid pH in Holstein Suckling Calves. , Journalaer. 2026; 2 (2) :1-6
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