Effect of sugar supplementation on rumen protozoa profile and papillae development in retarded growth calves.

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