*Krishi Vigyan Kendra, N.D.R.I., Karnal-132 001
Dairy Cattle Nutrition Division, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal-132 001 (Haryana), India
Online published on 29 December, 2011.
Twenty one week old crossbred calves (Holstein Friesian X Tharparkar) were divided into two groups (T1 and T2) of ten each. Both groups were fed similarly, however, group T2 was supplemented with mlxedprobiotic (Sacchromyces cerevisiae -B and Lactobacillus acidophilus-I,(1:1 ratio) @ 109 cfu/kg DMI/head/d for 14 weeks. Group T2 showed higher (P<0.05) body weight gain (466.2 Vs 376.5 g/d) and higher total DML Incidence of diarrhoea was lowered by 35.6% in group T2 as compared to control (T1) group. On discontinuation of probiotic supplementation, the daily weight gain and incidence of diarrhoea were similar in both groups during subsequent 14 weeks. However, the positive effects of probiotic observed during supplementation period was disappeared in post-supplementation period. It was concluded that daily supplementation of mixed probiotic (S. cerevisiae-B and L, acidophilus-I) improves the growth in pre-ruminant calves.
Probiotics, Growth, Feed efficiency, Diarrhoea incidence, Pre-ruminant calves
