Study of the correlation between blood BHBA level and concentrate intake in calves

Carbohydrates are the main source of energy in ruminants. As a result of microbial fermentation of carbohydrates in the rumen, volatile fatty acids are produced (Acetic acid, Butyric acid, Propionic acid) which are absorbed from the ruminal wall and supply up to 75% of the required energy of the animal. This study was performed on 42 Holstein calves (24 males and 18 females). Blood samples were taken weekly to evaluate blood BHBA levels. Other data about these calves such as body weight (BW) and the concentrate intake level per week was recorded at the same time. All collected data were analyzed by using standard software (SPSS 15.0 for Windows, SPSS, Chicago, Illinois, USA). Values of P