Effects of Kefir as a Probiotic Source on the Performance and Health of Young Dairy Calves

Authors

  • Sema Satık Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Süleyman Demirel University, 32200 Isparta
  • Mevlüt günal Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Süleyman Demirel University, 32200 Isparta

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24925/turjaf.v5i2.139-143.978

Keywords:

Probiotic, Kefir, Health, Calves, Performance

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of kefir as a probiotic on the performance and health status of calves. Thirty Holstein female calves with 3-day-old were randomly allocated to three treatment groups: Control (without any probiotic), probiotic (a commercial probiotic mixture-3 g/d/calf bacteria-based and 2 g/d/calf yeast-based) and kefir (20 ml/d/calf). The calves were weaned at 56 days of age. The experiment was performed in 70 days. Treatment had no effect (P>0.05) on weaning and final body weight and starter intake. Although differences in weight gain were not significant (P>0.05), there were trend to increase by probiotic treatments during 0-14 days. Probiotic treatments tended to have a positive effect on the population of the fecal lactic acid bacteria at 14 days. The results of the study indicated that kefir as a natural probiotic in calf nutrition may be beneficial during the first weeks of life.

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Published

28.02.2017

How to Cite

Satık, S., & günal, M. (2017). Effects of Kefir as a Probiotic Source on the Performance and Health of Young Dairy Calves. Turkish Journal of Agriculture - Food Science and Technology, 5(2), 139–143. https://doi.org/10.24925/turjaf.v5i2.139-143.978

Issue

Section

Animal Production