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Performance and Fecal Flora of Calves Fed a Nonviable Lactobacillus bulgaricus Fermentation Product^1,2,

Department of Animal Sciences, New Hamphire Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Hampshire and New Hampshire Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Durham 03824

ABSTRACT

A nonviable Lactobacillus bulgaricus fermentation product was evaluated for calves fed nonmedicated (Trial 1) or medicated (Trials 2 and 3) feeds. Each trial involved 40 Holstein bull calves. Trials 1 (11 wk) and 2 (9 wk) examined five quantities (0, 3, 6, 12, 24 ml/day) and Trial 3 (4 wk) two amounts (0 and 12 ml/day) of the liquid product. Calves were 2 to 8 days old when assigned to treatments and were fed milk (Trial 1) or milk replacer (Trials 2 and 3) twice daily for 4 wk. Pelleted starter rations were fed throughout and carried the fermentation product after weaning in Trials 1 and 2.

Intake of starter ration and average daily gain was greater in Trial 2 for calves fed 6 ml/day of the fermentation product than for control calves. Although other differences in weight gains and starter intake in the three trials were not significant, there was a trend for the fermentation product to have a positive effect on these variables, particularly during pre-weaning periods. Fecal lactobacillus and coliform counts, on days 0, 1, 2, and 3 of Trial 1 and on days 0, 1, 4, 8, 15, 22, and 29 of Trial 2 were similar between treatments. Further, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen utilization by calves at 8 to 10 wk of age were not affected.

¹ Scientific Contribution Number 1013 from the New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station.

² Reference to a company or product name does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the University of New Hampshire over others of a similar nature that may be suitable.