The effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale L.) liquid extract on growth, immune response, antioxidant defence mechanism, and general health of Holstein calves

This study was carried out to examine the effects of ginger liquid extract (GLE) on the growth, immune response, antioxidative defence mechanism, and general health of Holstein calves. Sixteen calves (4-d old) were included in the experiment and randomly assigned to groups, and they were fed whole milk containing GLE at a rate of 0, 0.50, 0.72, and 1% of the milk amount consumed. Calves consuming 1% GLE were weaned at an earlier age and gained better body weight (BW) compared to the other groups. The group fed with 0.50% GLE consumed less daily starter than the other groups. The administration of GLE resulted in a non-significant decrease in fecal score (FS), the number of days with diarrhea (DDN), and illness (IDN) among the calves. Notably, the 1% GLE exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on the growth of E. coli, while its effect on the growth of other pathogenic bacteria was not statistically significant. Despite the non-significant reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidative status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) values, the 1% GLE demonstrated support for antioxidative defence mechanism and immune response. The results indicated that 1% GLE can be effective in promoting the health of calves by enhancing their immune response and antioxidant capacity. This suggests that incorporating 1% GLE into their overall well-being, potentially leading to improved health outcomes and performance in calf rearing operations.

Growth performance, rumen fermentation and economic analysis of Malpura lambs raised on milk replacer at different weaning age under semiarid conditions

Pre-weaning nutrition has significant influence on post-weaning performance of lambs. Strategic weaning management on milk replacer allowance at this phase can be a promising approach for harvesting desired carcass trait in finisher phase. Therefore, present experiment aimed economizing pre-weaning weight gain in lambs by feeding milk replacer and subsequently minimizing weaning age. A study of 90 days duration was conducted to determine the production performance, nutrient utilization and rumen fermentation of lambs on milk replacer allowance at different weaning age. Sixty-six Malpura lambs (10 days of age) were randomly divided into 3 equal groups. Lambs in control group were allowed conventional free suckling of dam up to 90 day of age, whereas lambs in the two treatment groups, that is W60 and W90 were offered milk replacer and weaned at 60 and 90 days, respectively. Lambs in all groups were offered ad-libitum creep mixture, Ziziphus nummularia leaves, Vigna unguiculata hay and fresh Ailanthus excelsa leaves. Overall weight gain was 12.7 per cent higher (p < 0.05) in W90 than control whereas in W60 group it was statistically comparable with both control and W90 groups. Overall average daily gain was 12.1 per cent higher (p < 0.05) in W90 group as compared to control. In case of nutrient digestibility, there was significant depression of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) by 16.9, 17.2, 9.3 and 32.0 per cent in W60 than control; however, in W90, CP digestibility was higher (p < 0.05) than control and W60. Considering economic analysis, the net return obtained from W90 (90 days weaning plus milk replacer allowance) was more 20.0 per cent higher than control. Therefore, it can be concluded that lamb rearing on milk replacer and weaning at 90 days have a sustained positive effect on lambs' production performance and is more profitable than the practice of milk replacer allowance and early weaning in semiarid conditions.

Properties of a New Probiotic Candidate and Lactobacterin-TK2 Against Diarrhea in Calves

Calf diarrhea is an important problem that can result in death and which leads to economic losses. Probiotics in the gastrointestinal tract can be effective for the prevention of diarrhea. In this study, some strains were isolated from traditional fermented dairy products (Shubat and Kumiss) and the feces of Holstein calves and heifers. Some probiotic properties were determined using a total of 124 isolates and Lactobacterin-TK². Most of the isolates and Lactobacterin-TK² were adversely affected by pH 2.0; however, they maintained their viability at pH 4.0 and 0.3% bile salt. The most effective antifungals on yeast strains were nystatin, voriconazole, and ketoconazole; however, they were resistant to itraconazole and amphotericin B. The majority of LAB strains and Lactobacterin-TK² were susceptible to penicillin and tetracycline, whereas they were resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Bacillus spp. strains were susceptible to enrofloxacin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and gentamicin but resistant to penicillin. Also, 71% of lactobacilli have high hydrophobicity, whereas other strains have low hydrophobicity or had no hydrophobicity. Antagonistic properties of some selected strains against pathogenic bacteria were examined. All of the LABs inhibited at least one pathogen. The inhibitory effect of yeast strains on pathogens could not be determined. Then, five of the LAB strains were genotypically identified as Enterococcus faecium, one as Lactobacillus casei, and the yeast strains were identified as Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Clavispora lusitaniae. L. casei K2 and S. cerevisiae S430b were selected as superior strains. These strains are capable of being used as a new probiotic candidate following in vivo trials.

Probiotic microorganisms and herbs in ruminant nutrition as natural modulators of health and production efficiency – a review

Probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, direct-fed microbials, and herbs may improve the production efficiency in ruminants. The beneficial effect of selected specific microbes on animal health is reflected in protection against pathogens, stimulation of immunological response, increased production capacity, and mitigation of stress effects. Phytobiotic plants used in the nutrition of ruminant animals increase feed palatability. This in turn has a positive effect on feed intake and, consequently, increases production performance. Pectins, terpenes, phenols, saponins, and antibioticlike substances contained in phytobiotics prevent irritation, diarrhea, and increase the activity of digestive enzymes. Thanks to the abundance of biologically active substances such as flavonoids, glycosides, coumarins, carotenoids, polyphenols, etc., phytobiotics exhibit immunostimulatory and antioxidant properties as well. Given such a wide range of effects on health status and production parameters in animals, an attempt was made in this review to compile the current knowledge on the possible application of these natural growth stimulants in ruminant nutrition and to demonstrate their potential benefits and/or risks for breeding these animals.

Nutraceuticals: An Alternative Strategy for the Use of Antimicrobials

Livestock industries strive to improve the health of their animals and, in the future, they are going to be required to do this with a continued reduction in antimicrobial use. Nutraceuticals represent a group of compounds that may help fill that void because they exert some health benefits when supplemented to livestock. This review is focused on the mechanisms of action, specifically related to the immune responses and health of ruminants. The nutraceutical classes discussed include probiotics, prebiotics, phytonutrients (essential oils and spices), and polyunsaturated fatty acids.