Effects of some probiotics during its use as a growth promoter in calves

Abstract

This study was performed on to evaluate the effect of some probiotic strains (Pediococcus acidophilus and Pedicoccus pentosaceus) on performance, blood picture and some biochemical parameters in serum of treated calves (10 weaned calves 90-115 kg). Calves were classified into 2 equal groups (each of 5 calves). The 1st group was served as the control group while the second group was given Maxboost® (20gm/head/day) in drinking water (after fermentation for 2-3 hours) for five months. Calves were weighed monthly to calculate the body weight gain till the end of the experiment whole blood weight and serum were collected from both groups at 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th month. Results revealed a significant increase in total body weight, body gain, total erythrocytes count, hemoglobin content, total leucocytes count, total protein and mean corpuscular hemoglobin. On the other hand, there were a significant decrease in serum aspartate transaminase (AST), serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and urea in pediococcus treated group compared to the control one.