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By Bill Kautz, D.V.M & Lionel R. Lane, M.S., PAS National Sales Manager, Probios, Animal Health Products Research shows incoming feedlot calves that eat on arrival have fewer stress related health and performance problems. In addition to shipping stress, incoming calves must deal with the stress of processing. All while trying to adjust to weaning, a different environment and new pen mates. Researchers know this level of stress can cause a loss of beneficial microflora in the gastrointestinal tract, potentially compromising health and reducing feed intake. According to one veterinary services company, about 30% of newly received feedlot cattle can be categorized as "problem" animals, that is, those on the verge of showing clinical signs of disease. Feed trials conducted by Dr. David Hutcheson, Texas A & M University; Dr. John Brethour, Kansas State University; Dr. Terry Mader, University of Nebraska; along with other university trials and on-farm experience, prove that feeding direct-fed microbials (DFMs) beginning the first day, stimulated the appetite in newly arrived calves, thus improving feed intake, efficiency, and reduced illness. DFMs, commonly referred to as probiotics, generally contain viable, lactic acid-producing bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Enterococcus. For example, Chr. Hansen BioSystems' probiotic product Probios(R) contains guaranteed levels of proprietary strains of Lactobacillus plantarum, Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus casei, and Lactobacillus acidophilus. DFMs work by maintaining the natural balance of the intestinal microflora. The lactic acid from the bacteria lowers intestinal pH, which may suppress harmful organisms, such as E. coli. Researchers also have reported certain strains of lactic acid bacteria produce compounds that inhibit intestinal pathogens and stimulate antibody production. In addition, by colonizing the intestinal tract, the beneficial bacteria help keep pathogenic organisms from taking hold in the gut. These actions appear to help increase feed intake and nutrient absorption, and reduce disease. In the Texas A & M feed trial, Dr. Hutcheson discovered incoming calves that received 15 cc of Probios Bovine One Gel on arrival, followed by 5 grams per head per day of Probios Feed Granules in the receiving ration for 28 days, had a 21percent improvement in average daily gains, and a 12 percent improvement in feed efficiency over control animals (Table 1). In conclusion, producers who administer Probios on arrival for stressed and high-risk incoming stocker and feedlot calves should see higher feed intake and a reduction in illness thus lowering input cost for treatment. © Reprinted with permission from Interactiv Culture. |
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