Body Condition Scoring - the American Miniature Zebu Asssoication

Rumen Comparisons: 8 Weeks of Age
Both of these calves exhibit dark coloration of the rumen and reticulum, but if you examine
the rumen it is apparent that the calf fed hay (bottom photo) has much less papillae development.
The rumen wall is thin and papillae are short and sparse. In this case, the calf ate a large
amount of hay and less grain than the calf in the top photo. The bulky fiber in hay filled the
calf’s small stomach and limited grain intake.
Diet: Milk and Grain
Diet: Milk, Grain, and Hay
Rumen Comparisons: 12 Weeks of Age
Both of these rumens are very large, but when it comes to rumen development size isn’t everything!
Look at the dramatic difference in the number and length of papillae between these two
calves. Also, note the healthy, dark coloration of the calf fed grain. The calf fed milk and hay
has stunted rumen development, with light color and very little papillae growth.
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