A High-Roughage System for Raising Calves Based on the Early Development of Rumen Function. X. Whole Blood, Plasma, and Corpuscle Glucose Relationships in Calves Fed High-Roughage Rations with and without Chlortetracycline

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Abstract
In the first of two experiments, the changes in the blood glucose (reducing sugar) of 5 high roughage-fed calves was studied to 12 wk. of age. In the 2d experiment, 20 calves fed high-roughage pellets with or without chlortetracycline were compared from birth to 16 wk. of age. Much of the decline in the blood glucose of all calves during the 7-wk. milk feeding period was the result of decreased corpuscle glucose. Plasma glucose declined markedly after milk intake was reduced at 6 wk. Chlortetracycline-fed calves maintained a higher whole blood glucose level. This higher blood glucose level was shown to be largely the result of increased plasma glucose which persisted following termination of milk feeding until 12 wk. of age, when chlortetracycline was withdrawn from the ration. At this point, the plasma glucose of the experimental group returned to the level of the controls. The data lend further support to the postulate that improved calf growth resulting from chlortetracycline feeding is due to its energy-sparing effects, reflected in the plasma glucose level.

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