WH011 Summary

Summary

This episode of What’s Happening? uses a mix of humor and real-world observations to highlight an important issue in calf nutrition—ruminal acidosis in recently weaned calves. What begins as a light story about photos taken on farms around the world quickly focuses on a key diagnostic clue: manure. Manure found on top of bedding or containing visible bubbles signals a disruption in digestion, pointing to problems with diet composition and rumen function. These observations, repeated across multiple farms globally, set the stage for understanding a common but often overlooked issue.

The episode walks through a practical example where calves were transitioned from a textured starter to a high-starch pelleted feed, with forage offered but not effectively consumed. Because these calves had only recently been weaned, their rumens were still underdeveloped. The result was rapid fermentation of starch, a drop in rumen pH, and impaired microbial balance. This cascade leads to ruminal acidosis, with excess undigested nutrients passing into the feces—where microbial activity produces gas, visible as bubbles. 

The key takeaway is that fecal consistency provides valuable insight into diet quality and calf performance. Visible signs like bubbles indicate inefficient nutrient use and suboptimal growth. To reduce the risk of acidosis, feeding programs should include a balanced ration—such as incorporating about 10% chopped forage into a grain-based TMR—to support rumen development and stabilize fermentation. Ultimately, relying on calves to choose the right balance when forage is offered free-choice is not sufficient; thoughtful diet formulation is essential for optimal health and growth.