Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2441489 | Journal of Dairy Science | 2005 | 12 Pages |
Abstract
When the data for the 4 experiments were pooled, the probiotics enhanced growth rate during the first 2 wk. During the 8-wk experimental period, average daily gain and feed efficiency were significantly improved in the probiotic-treated groups. The MSPB-induced increase in weight gain was greater when the control calves were considered less healthy based on a health score (an index of diarrhea and therapeutic treatments). Probiotic treatment tended to diminish mortality. The CSPB treatment reduced the incidence of diarrhea and the fecal counts of coliforms. When therapeutic treatment was intensive in the control calves, the ingestion of probiotics reduced the percentage of calves that required therapy and the amount of treatments needed against digestive or respiratory diseases. There was no clear difference in the efficiency of the MSPB and CSPB preparations. Further research is necessary to identify underlying mechanisms and to evaluate the potential of probiotics to improve respiratory health in veal calf production.
Keywords
Related Topics
Life Sciences
Agricultural and Biological Sciences
Animal Science and Zoology
Authors
H.M. Timmerman, L. Mulder, H. Everts, D.C. van Espen, E. van der Wal, G. Klaassen, S.M.G. Rouwers, R. Hartemink, F.M. Rombouts, A.C. Beynen,