Effect of Sugar Supplementation on Rumen Protozoa Profile and Papillae Development in Retarded Growth Calves

Abstract

The effect of sugar supplementation with 1 g/kg BW, twice a week for eight weeks was determined on rumen protozoa in ten retarded growth calves. Rumen juice was sampled by abdominal paracentesis during the experiment. Papillae development of rumen excised by experimental laparotomy was macro- and micro morphologically determined before and after sugar supplementation in a selected calf. Number of Entodinium, Isotricha, Dasytricha and Epidinium increased with 3 to 12 folds after 1–3 weeks supplementation, and subsequently decreased. Height of rumen papillae after sugar supplementation showed marked development compared with before supplementation (Post: 4.44 ± 0.43 vs. Pre: 1.36 ± 0.24 mm). Sugar supplementation accommodates rumen protozoa profile and stimulates papillae development in retarded growth calves.