Effect of Administration of Bifidobacteria and Lactic Acid Bacteria to Newborn Calves and Piglets

Abstract

The effect of oral administration of bifidobacteria and lactic acid bacteria on newborn livestock was investigated. Oral administration of Bifidobacterium pseudolongum or Lactobacillus acidophilus to calves improved BW gain and feed conversion over that of untreated controls. The frequency of diarrhea occurrence was decreased in the group fed probiotics. However, there was no significant difference between calves administered B. pseudolongum and those administered L. acidophilus. Under conditions of feeding without antibiotics, the frequency of diarrhea was decreased markedly by administration of probiotics. The BW gain of piglets was significantly greater during both the suckling and weaning periods for the group fed probiotics than for the control group. That effect was more evident during the suckling period than during the weaning period. Under conditions of feeding without antibiotics, the frequency of piglet mortality was decreased markedly by administration of probiotics. The probiotics tested here had useful effects, including improved BW gain, feed conversion, and fecal condition of both newborn calves and piglets. © 1995, American Dairy Science Association. All rights reserved.