Villus atrophy and crypt elongation in the small intestine of preruminant calves fed with heated soyabean flour or wheat gluten.

Serial biopsies were removed from the jejunal mucosa of preruminant calves given single or multiple feeds containing heated soyabean flour or wheat gluten. Morphometric investigation using a microdissection technique revealed partial villus atrophy and crypt elongation. The first exposure to soyabean protein caused slight shortening of villi but after a succession of experimental feeds of heated soyabean flour or gluten, animals developed marked mucosal abnormalities and severe diarrhoea. Villus atrophy and crypt elongation were seen 24 hours after challenge with an experimental feed and restoration of normal morphology on a diet of milk alone took about 10 days. The data are discussed in relation to coeliac disease of man and the use of soya products in milk replacers for calves.