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Study of Feeding Commercial Probiotics Containing Lactobacillus on Growth Performances of Calves

S. M. Amanullah
SO, APRD,
BLRI, Savar, Dhaka

M. S. Alam

A. S. M. Selim

R. N. Subarna

K. S. Huque

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The study was taken to have a quick look on the effect of probiotics on calf health and growth performance for a period of 60 days. Four calves of less than one week of age were selected and equally distributed in two groups. These two groups were fed milk at a rate of 5% of their live weight or milk at the same rate supplemented with protexin boost (commercial source of Lactobacillus) at a rate of 0.5 g/d. At the later part of the trial calves of both groups were supplemented with calf starter ad libitum. CFU of Lactobacillus was determined using MRS agar and E. coli count in faeces was done in Nutrient broth, EMB agar and VRB agar plate. The CFU Lactobacillus in Protexin was 2.1x10^-3. The consistency was observed good in both the control and probiotic fed group, as well as the odor of feces was normal in both two groups, but the presence of mucus was found higher in the control compared to normal in probiotic fed group. The growth of E. coli was observed in feces of calves under control group whereas, it was absent completely in the feces of calved fed protexin. This study showed a considerable impact of probiotic, protexin on the reduction of growth of E coli in feces of calves.

Keywords: Calves, Suitable Microbial Flora, Lactobacillus, Probiotic

Location: BLRI, Savar, Dhaka

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Animal Health and Management

Commodity: Cattle

Objectives:

To know the effect of probiotics on calf health and its growth performance

Methodology:

Four calves of less than one week of age were selected for having a primary idea on the effects of probiotic on calf growth and health. They were distributed in two groups having 2 calves in each group, and reared in adjacent two pans. The pans were kept clean and washed everyday with disinfectants to keep the pan bacteria free. These two groups were either fed milk or milk supplemented with protexin boost (probiotic mixture). At the later part the calves of both group were also supplemented with calf starter ad libitum. The calves were fed milk at a constant rate of 5% of their body weight and the total allowance was divided into two halves to supply twice daily. Suckling was avoided. The amount of milk required for each calf were weighed and fed with the help of feeding bottle. A commercially available probiotic mixture named “Protexin” boost (Probiotics International Ltd., U.K) was used as the source of Lactobacillus in this study. Protexin is a multi-strain probiotic containing live microbes to establish, enhance or re-establish essential microflora in the gut. The calves of treated groups were drenched with a water solution of protexin at the rate of 0.5 g/d. All utensils are also sterilized accordingly before and after drinking. All calves were also fed calf starter adlibitum after the 4 weeks of the experiment. The trial was continued for 5 weeks, so, calves were fed calf starter only for a week. A weighed amount of calf starter was supplied to each calf and after feeding refusal was weighed to determine the intake of calf starter. Live weight of each calf was taken at the start of the experiment and weekly throughout the experimental period. Fecal samples were observed daily to evaluate the health status and fecal samples were also collected weekly for the conformation of coliform bacteria. Stored feces sample was taken out from the freezer and thawed. Then small portion of it was spreaded on previously prepared EMB and nutrient agar plate, as well as, nutrient broth to confirm the presence of E. coli.

Source of Information: BLRI. 2008. Annual Report, APRD. pp. 79-97

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

1. Government

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

This study showed a considerable impact of probiotic, protexin on the reduction of growth of E. coli in feces of calves.

Knowledge Management: Report/Proceedings