Young calves face many challenges when they transition from a monogastric into a ruminant in a very short amount of time. Born with a naïve immune system, fast diet transitions and exposure to diseases are the norm for these young calves! Add in mingling of mobs and sometimes transportation into the mix, it is no surprise the dairy industry battles with losses and sickness of calves pre-weaning.
The major cause of calf disease is calf scours. At birth, the gut of a calf is just beginning its development, research shows that the lower gut is the main organ for a calf’s immunity. Many calfhood illnesses start in the gut and can be prevented with good gut health and proper management.
A well-developed rumen sets the animal up for future growth and lactation performance. Poor management during the pre-weaning through to post-weaning period can result in reduced rumen development, lowered feed intake and growth combined with an increased number of scours and morbidity.
Specific probiotics have been proven to stimulate microbial growth, enhance gut health and support the immune system. A probiotic is a live organism which stimulates beneficial intestinal bacteria and helps fight off the more harmful types of bacteria, fungi and viruses in the intestines. Nutritech has a product called ProTernative® Milk, a specific probiotic yeast (Saccharromyces c. boulardii) for lower gut health in calves.
ProTernative® improves lower gut health, balances microbiota, strengthens gut integrity and enhances natural defenses. ProTernative® binds to pathogens and reduces bacteria adhesion to the inner gut lining. This probiotic also increases mucin and local antibody productions to increase gut protective mechanism. In other words, ProTernative® increases positive microbial gut flora and decreases negative microbiota numbers in the intestines. It also decreases body temperature around stress and improves vaccine response (immune system’s improved).
Research shows that calves fed ProTernative® show less sickness and if they are getting sick, the duration and severity of the illness is reduced significantly. Therefore, if calves get sick, they will still grow. Growth delays in calves due to illnesses could become a thing from the past. If you want more information, contact your local Nutritech Area Manager.