When a calf is born, the abomasum or fourth stomach is the only stomach that is functioning. Teat feeding triggers a reflex which causes a groove in the rumen (oesophageal groove) to close. This directs milk past the rumen and into the abomasum where it is digested. In addition, using a teat may also stimulate saliva production and maintain fluid intake in scouring calves. If a calf drinks from a bucket the oesophageal groove may not be activated and the milk will go into the rumen. As the rumen is not functioning, the milk is not digested and ferments, causing the calf to scour. Calves fed via a teat can gain an extra 1.4kg in weight to 12 weeks. Description: Teat feeding is more natural. Drinking from a teat helps the calf satisfy their urge to suckle. The CT6 is a calf starter teat that is ideal for new born calves. It encourages a natural sucking action allowing milk to be delivered to the calf at an optimum rate. The inverted nipple encourages the calf to suck thereby increasing saliva flow which enhances milk digestibility. Saliva has two functions: A. Buffering. Saliva, with a pH value of approximately 8.2 and a high sodium bicarbonate level, has a buffering effect in the rumen. This means that the saliva helps to counteract the effects of acid-producing feedstuffs, such as cereals, molasses, potatoes and fodder beets, on the ruminal PH. B. Suppressing foam. Saliva can also reduce the risk of bloat as it also has a foam suppressing effect in the rumen – Bloat can be fatal. Key Features: Ideal for new born calves. The inverted nipple encourages the calf to suck thereby increasing saliva flow and enhanced milk digestibility. Pull through teat can be used on any feeder with a Ø22mm opening.
