Transportation stress in farm animals and its correction by probiotic treatment

Abstract

The aim of this work was to summarise the results of perennial (2008-2018) research on the effectiveness of the Intestevit TM drug presenting a mixture of probiotics and nutritional supplements for correcting transportation stress in ruminants. Methods: The condition of ruminant animals being imported into farms in the Amur Oblast were investigated. The condition of animals prior to and following transportation was assessed using 204 indicators. The statistical significance in mean values was estimated using Student's t-test: a difference with the probability of the alternative hypothesis p <0.05 was considered to be reliable. Results: Under the influence of long-term transportation, animals experience significant stress, which leads to various psycho-emotional disorders becoming more pronounced over time. Such animals demonstrate a noticeable loss of weight, decreased muscle strength and reduced resistance to diseases. Consequently, livestock enterprises bear financial loses from the lack of calves, dairy and meat products. Conclusion: The use of probiotics, such as Intestevit TM, can significantly reduce the adverse effects of transportation stress and improve the physiological state of animals.