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.
Published Version
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