Abstract

There is a need for newer feed additives due to legal prohibition on inclusion of growth promoting antibiotics in livestock diets in several countries due to antimicrobial resistance. In this context, rare earth elements (REE) have gained attention among animal nutritionists as potential growth promoters. Currently, several studies have reported better weight gain, milk production, egg laying capacity and feed conversion efficiency among different breeds of farm animals following supplementation with REE, with however largely inconsistent results. Furthermore, REE supplementation has also shown to improve ruminal fibrolytic and proteolytic activities as well as flavor of meat with negligible residues in edible tissue, however the mechanism behind this action is still unclear. According to existing research, due to their poor absorption and similarity with calcium REE might exert their action locally on gut microbial populations within the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Moreover, REE have also shown anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative as well as immune stimulating effects. The present review aims to broaden the knowledge about use of REE as feed additives for livestock and sum up efficacy of REE supplementation on performance and health of animals by comparing the findings. Till date, researches with REE have shown properties that make them a promising, new and safe alternative feed additive but further exploration is recommended to optimize effects and clarify discrepancy of various results before practical proposals can be drafted.

An experiment was designed to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of Lactobacillus acidophilus on blood biochemical profile, antioxidant activity and plasma immunoglobulin level in neonatal Murrah buffalo calves. The 90 day trial was conducted on 24 neonatal Murrah buffalo calves randomly divided into 4 dietary treatments, viz. CON (basal diet alone), T1 (basal diet + L. acidophilus as a fermented milk @ 100 mL/calf/day having 108 CFU/mL), T2 (basal diet + L. acidophilus as a fermented milk @ 200 mL/calf/day having 108 CFU/ml) and T3 (basal diet + L. acidophilus as a fermented milk @ 300 ml/calf/day having 108 CFU/mL). Supplementation of probiotics improved the plasma glucose level in T2 and T3 as compared to CON. Total protein (TP), plasma albumin (A), plasma globulin (G) and A:G ratio did not change with the supplementation of probiotic in calves. Total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol levels in plasma remained same in all the 4 groups. Total antioxidant (TA) activity was higher in T2 and T3 as compared to CON, whereas it was intermediate in T1. Super oxide dismutase (SOD) activity was significantly higher in T1, T2 and T3 groups as compared to CON whereas catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity remained same in all groups throughout experimental period. The total plasma immunoglobulin and plasma IgG remained uninfluenced in all the groups. In conclusion, supplementation of L. acidophilus improved energy metabolism and antioxidant capacity in neonatal Murrah buffalo calves.

No abstract

In neonates, rapid change in diet imbalances gut health allowing colonization of opportunistic pathogens that confer harmful effects on animal health causing reduced digestion and malabsorption of nutrients. In this milieu, probiotic feeding can be a promising approach in promoting animal health and stabilization of gastrointestinal microbiota. Hence, the present study was designed to investigate the effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCDC15 enriched fermented milk on nutrient digestibility, faecal biomarkers and immune response in Murrah buffalo calves. Twenty-four, neonatal calves (5-7 days) were randomly allocated into four groups for 90 days. The control group (CT) was provided a basal diet of calf starter and green fodder (maize and jowar), without any probiotic fermented milk (PFM) supplementation. Basal diet was supplemented with probiotic fermented milk at 100, 200 and 300 mL/calf/day, in PFM100, PFM200 and HIGHLIGHTS  Inclusion of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCDC15 in the form of fermented milk at 100, 200 and 300 mL/calf/day in Murrah buffalo calves. Fermented milk improved immunity and faecal biomarkers in Murrah buffalo calves without any adverse effect on nutrient utilization  Responses were more evident in 200 and 300 mL probiotic fermented milk-fed groups as compared to 100 mL. Ojha, L.; et al.