The early stages of a calf’s life are crucial for farms but come with risks like diseases and stress. Separation from their dam, insufficient first milk intake, and the stress of movement can make them sick, causing issues like diarrhea and respiratory problems, impacting farms significantly. The bacteria in their guts play a big role in their health, but stress can disrupt this balance, making them more vulnerable to harmful bacteria. While antibiotics can help, they raise concerns about resistance and residues in meat and milk products. Probiotics, formulated with beneficial bacteria are being explored as an alternative to antibiotics. They can help maintain a healthy balance of good and bad bacteria in their stomachs, improve digestion, and promote growth. Some studies even suggest they strengthen the animals’ immune systems, potentially reducing illness. Using probiotics could help ensure a strong population of good gut bacteria in calves, minimizing help ensure a strong population of good gut bacteria in calves, minimizing stomach issues.
For long-term success in dairy farming, precise feeding and nutrition for calves are critical. Adding probiotics to their diet has proven beneficial, aiding growth and gut health. There’s growing interest in probiotics due to concerns about antibiotic downsides. Initially, scientists focused on specific types of bacteria, but now they’re looking at others, particularly Bacillus subtilis and licheniformis, which seem effective in balancing gut bacteria and promoting growth. Some research indicates that B. subtilis might strengthen the immune system and contribute to essential vitamin production.
Bacillus subtilis: the research
A study conducted at the research farm of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Beijing, China (Sun et al. 2010), examined the impact of a Bacillus subtilis probiotic strain on the 2010), examined the impact of a Bacillus subtilis probiotic strain on the performance and immune responses of dairy calves. The focus was on pre weaning performance, weaning age, and immune function in Holstein dairy calves. The calves were divided into two groups with and without probiotic supplementation.
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