Effects of butyric acid supplementation of acidified milk on digestive function and weaning stress of cattle calves

Abstract

Feed supplements can enhance the health and productivity of livestock. The effects of butyric acid supplementation of acidified milk (AM) on the digestive function of calves and weaning stress were investigated. Thirty-six Holstein calves with a mean age of 5 ± 1 d were selected and divided into three groups (n = 12) and fed: (1) AM (CON); (2) AM + 0.3% butyric acid (BA0.3); or (3) AM + 0.6% butyric acid (BA0.6). Body weight (BW) and body size indicators were recorded during the preweaning stage. At 56 d, 18 calves were euthanized to determine the length and width of their ruminal papillae, duodenum villi, jejunum villi, and ileal villi; emptied rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum weight; and small intestinal mucosa thickness. Jugular blood samples were collected during preweaning and postweaning from the remaining 18 calves to analyze biochemical, immunological, and anti-oxidative stress indicators. Mean chest breadth at 30 d was greater for BA0.3 calves than CON calves. Heart girth at 55 d was greater in BA0.3 calves than in CON calves. Mean BW gain during preweaning was greater in BA0.3 and BA0.6 calves than in CON calves, and continued after weaning. Diarrhea rate dropped for BA0.3 and BA0.6 calves compared with CON calves. Compared to CON calves, BA0.3 calves had longer and wider duodenum villi and wider jejunum villi. Duodenum and jejunum mucosal thickness was greater in BA0.3 calves than in CON calves. Serum urea nitrogen content at 10 d was lesser for BA0.3 calves than for CON and BA0.6 calves. The serum Ca content of BA0.6 calves was greater than that of CON calves at 60 d Serum P content at 60 d was greater in BA0.6 calves than in BA0.3 calves. At 60 d, serum malondialdehyde content of BA0.3 and BA0.6 calves was lesser than that of CON calves, and decreased during postweaning compared with preweaning in BA0.3 and BA0.6 calves, while CON calves exhibited the opposite trend. At 65 d, serum catalase content of BA0.3 calves was greater than that of CON calves, whereas cortisol content was lesser in BA0.3 and BA0.6 calves than in CON calves at 65 d In conclusion, the addition of butyric acid to AM can reduce the rate of diarrhea, weaning stress and improve metabolic and physical development of the gastrointestinal tract.