1305 Effect of phytogenic compounds fed to preweaned calves

Abstract

Maximizing early muscle growth is important in lifetime muscle development. Additionally, growth promoting antibiotics that have been typically used in the past may not be available in the future. Phytogenic (herbal) compounds may represent a potential to replace growth promoting antibiotics. A trial was conducted using Belgian Blue and Simmental bull calves in which mixed phytogenic products included in milk replacer and calf starter. Calves were separated into group based on breed and initial weight. (Control calves weighed 93 kg, Treatment calves weighed 94 kg) Calves were fed for 52 d. Control calves received a diet of calf milk replacer, for the first 3 wk. Cereal grains and a “calf starter feed” were offered from the first week on. Hay was made available throughout the trial and corn silage was offered from Day 21 to 52. Treatment calves received the same diet as control with the exception of Digestarom Milk (phytogenic product) added to the milk replacer at a rate of 500 gm/MT of calf milk replacer. The treatment calves also received Digestarom Calf in the calf starter at a rate of 300 gm/MT. Feed intake for calves was measured throughout the trial period. Calves were weighed on Days 21, 42, and 56. Data was analyzed via independent t test (SPSS). Control calves consumed numerically, but not statistically (P > 0.10) less average intake per day through out the total period, Days 1 to 56, than did treatment calves, 2.41 vs. 2.46 kg, respectively. Calves receiving Digestarom products improved in average daily gain throughout the trial at each weighing, and for the 56 d period demonstrated and increase of 0.10 kg in average daily gain (P < 0.05). Control calves gained 1.23 kg per day, while treatment calves gained at 1.33 kg per day (P < 0.05). Feed conversion improved numerically from 1.97 for control calves to 1.86 for treatment calves (P > 0.10). This work supports previous work with these and similar phytogenic products that have demonstrated a positive effect on the growth rate of neonatal and young ruminants. As such these and similar products represent a potential replacement of alternative growth promoting technologies.