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In 2014 an independent study evaluated the implications of fast feeding on the digestive system of young calves.
In 2014 an exciting, first of its kind research project was undertaken to investigate the effects of slow feeding vs fast feeding on young calves. The research team took 60 calves from the same farm and housed them in groups of ten. Three of the groups were fed with the controlled flow Milk Bar™ Teat and the other three groups were fed from a faster teat with an internal valve which is commonly seen worldwide. The results were so compelling that we had it peer reviewed and the findings are now published in the Journal of Applied Animal Nutrition.
Findings that changed the way we feed
It was immediately apparent to the research team that the calves fed on the faster teat cross suckled vigorously after feeding while the calves fed on the flow controlled Milk Bar™ Teats did not cross suckle and were very settled after feeding.
Cross suckling damages the developing teat and udder. The udder is the business end of the production cow and early damage can have lasting affects that can impact on the cows future production. In 1942 Shalm noted “Calves suckling on each other can affect the development of the juvenile udder. This in conjunction with the transmission of mastitis pathogens is prone to lead to heifer mastitis”.
These calves were fed from the controlled Milk Bar™ Teat. They were very happy and contented after feeding. They did not cross suckle and their developing teats and udders remain intact and in perfect condition.
These calves were fed from the faster teat fitted with a valve. They cross suckled after feeding and there was extensive damage to the developing teats. Most concerning was the removal of the keratin plug which leaves these calves open to infection.
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