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Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

DOI

10.3906/vet-1701-54

Abstract

Thirty Holstein calves presented with infectious diarrhea during the second week following birth were utilized to evaluate the effects of a standardized product containing a combination of probiotics, ß-glucans, and glyconutrients (GLY) in support of antibiotic therapy during the early rearing phase (day 7 to day 45 following birth). Treatments were 1) antibiotic therapy (trimethoprim and sulfas; ANTIB), and 2) ANTIB plus 5 g/calf per day GLY. Treatments did not affect diarrhea duration, averaging 16.7 days. However, GLY support decreased (P < 0.05) the mortality rate and increased (P < 0.05) live weight gain. Increased weight gain was attributable to enhanced (P < 0.05) consumption of calf starter. Supplemental GLY increased (P < 0.05) serum glucose and lowered (P < 0.05) serum urea nitrogen, nonesterified fatty acids, and cortisol concentration. We conclude that daily provision of 5 g of a standardized product containing probiotics, ß-glucans, and glyconutrients to diarrheic calves under antibiotic therapy will promote health and enhance early growth performance.

Keywords

Feed additives, diarrhea, dairy calves, glyconutrients, probiotics

First Page

578

Last Page

581

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