Rumen number 1105 exterior -- This is the exterior appearance of a 12-week-old calf rumen. The calf was fed a controlled, optimal diet of milk, hay, and grain.
Although this shot shows a large rumen, size isn't everything. Not only should the rumen be developed to this size, but the interior papilli should appear as those in the next shot. Proper feeding leads to great development like this--and a healthy rumen is a first step to ensuring a calf becomes a healthy, productive member of the milking string. For an example of poor development caused by diet, compare this 12-week-old rumen with rumen number 1106, below.
