Effects of supplementing a direct-fed microbial containing Enterococcus faecium 669 on performance, health, and metabolic responses of pre-weaning Holstein dairy calves

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Enterococcus faecium 669 supplementation on performance, health, parasitological, microbiological, and hematological responses pre-weaning dairy calves. Forty-two newborn Holstein female calves [initial body weight (BW) 44 ± 4.5 kg] were used in present study. At birth, ranked by initial BW assigned 1 2 treatment groups: 1) whole milk (CON; n = 21) 2) with addition E. (DFM; 21). During entire experimental period (63 d), DFM was daily-fed at a rate 2.5 × 109 colony forming units/head. All offered mixture starter feed wheat straw for ad libitum consumption. Supplement intake evaluated daily, whereas weighed weekly basis from d 0 weaning (d 63). Diarrhea assessed once day, fecal blood samples collected responses. data analyzed SAS using calf as unit. A week interaction observed BW, DFM-supplemented heavier than CON cohorts 56 (+ 4.7 kg) 63 4.8 kg). similar ADG dry matter (DMI), greater 35 – 42, DMI 49 56, weaning. Moreover, diarrhea occurrence tended be lower, rectal temperature 0.2°C lower supplemented Treatment day interactions counts Eimeria spp., have reduced number positive observations 42 vs. significant reduction animals 21 DFM, but not For Cryptosporidium no overall (%), had count oocyst per gram CON. No or main any variables herein, exception being monocytes concentration. In summary, improved occurrence, positively-detected spp.