Effect of probiotics on growing performance and health of calves

The study was conducted to determine the effect of probiotics based on Lactobacillus spp. on the performance and health status of Holstein male calves. Twelve three-day old calves, with mean initial live weight of 35 kg were assigned to the control and the probiotics groups. All calves were weaned at the 60th day. They consumed 228 L of whole milk twice daily until weaning. The calves from the probiotics group received daily 2 g of probiotics with the morning milk. The results obtained in the experiment showed that there were no differences in daily gain, roughage, concentrate or total feed intake, feed/gain ratio and weaning weight. Calves fed probiotics were healthier than those from the control group. Three calves from the control group and one calf from the probioticss group died from scour and/or bloat. In respect to diarrhea and bloat cases, the probioticss group was superior to the control. It would be concluded that the probioticss administration before weaning could improve calf health and decrease mortality and medication cost