355 Growth Performance of Neonatal Holstein Heifer Calves fed Milk Containing Essential oil Blend and/or Encapsulated Butyrate

Abstract Previous research demonstrated the growth promoting benefits of an essential oil/oligosaccharide blend (EO; Stay Strong, Ralco, Inc.) or encapsulated sodium butyrate (C4; Ultramix GF, Adisseo, fed to neonatal calves. The possibility exists technologies are additive based on individual mechanisms action. objective was evaluate EO and C4 alone combined when Holstein heifer calves raised a commercial Chinese dairy operation. Sixty-four heifers were blocked by calving day randomly assigned 1 4 treatments (N=16/treatment) using randomized complete block design. Treatments were: 1) Control: CN; milk 3x/d; 2) added at rate 1.50 g/d; 3) 1.70 4) EO&C4: rates 1.5 g/d, respectively. Calves whole increasing/decreasing feeding program with weaning d 60 70-d experiment. Calf birth body weight (BW) found be significant (P < 0.01) covariate EO, C4, EO&C4 demonstrating greater 0.05) BW (41.9, 47.0, 46.6, 48.0 kg for CN, EO&C4, respectively) gains average daily (602.0,670.5, 665.7, 683.7 g/d). compared CN. starter intake CN being intermediate similar > 0.10). total blood serum volatile fatty acid concentrations (9.75, 12.91, 11.22, 10.89 µM) EO&CN performance, but combination did not further improve performance.