Prebiotics supplementation modulates pre-weaning stress in male cattle calves by improving growth performance, health scores and serum biomarkers

Abstract

Neonatal calves are prone to gastrointestinal infections and microbial dysbiosis that lead to high morbidity and mortality. Prebiotics can be used to mitigate the adverse effects of gut diseases and microbial dysbiosis. Forty male Holstein-Friesian calves (2 ± 1 day old) were divided into four dietary treatments: control (milk without prebiotics), YCW-2, YCW-4 (milk containing 2 or 4 g/day/calf of yeast cell wall, respectively), and cMOS (milk containing commercial mannan-oligosaccharides 4 g/day/calf). Milk intake, feed intake, and health scores were recorded daily, whereas body weight, dry matter intake (DMI), and body measurements were recorded weekly. Feed efficiency (FE) was determined at the end of the trial (eight weeks). Cell-mediated immunity (CMI) was assessed by the topical application of dinitrochlorobenzene. Blood samples were collected fortnightly to determine glucose, non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and beta-hydroxybutyric acid (βHBA). Cell wall supplemented calves had significantly higher (P < 0.05) final body weights, DMI, and body measurements along with improved (P < 0.05) faecal scores. Feed intake was higher (P < 0.05) in both the YCW-supplemented calves. Glucose was lower (P < 0.001), whereas BUN and βHBA were significantly higher in the YCW-2 animals. No differences were observed in FE, CMI, and NEFA between all the experimental animals. The yeast cell wall (2 g) may have the potential to improve the growth performance and health status of neonatal calves.

Comparable Evaluation of Nutritional Benefits of Lactobacillus plantarum and Bacillus toyonensis Probiotic Supplementation on Growth, Feed Utilization, Health, and Fecal Microbiota in Pre-Weaning Male Calves

“…The neonatal phase of calf growth is a critical stage characterized by a decreased immune response, which can lead to serious health issues such as respiratory and intestinal distress leading to high morbidity and mortality [38]. The results of our study showed that adding LP, BT, or their combination in whole milk or starter improved newborn health by increasing serum IgG and globulin levels compared to the CON group.…”

“…Interestingly, the pronounced growth-enhancing effect in the calves that received the combination of the two probiotic LP and BT could be highly related to the increased TDMI. In this regard, Raza et al [38] reported that increased TDMI in the pre-weaned calves could potentially stimulate rumen development and subsequently enhance growth performance.…”

“…The concentration of BUN can serve as a useful tool for assessing the efficacy of dietary protein utilization in young calves [40]. The efficient functioning of the rumen has also been linked to elevated levels of BUN [38]. Increased levels of BUN in the group that received LP + BT indicate improved utilization and metabolism of proteins.…”