Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXIII, Issue 1
Written by Daniela Mihaela GRIGORE, Elena IRIMIA, Elena POGURSCHI, Marinela ENCULESCU, Narcisa BĂBEANU
The aim of the current review was to evaluate the efficacy of using microorganisms with probiotic effect and prebiotic substrate on calves’ health status. Probiotics and prebiotics are currently subject to expansive research as alternative to antibiotics use in animal husbandry. This study reports the symbiotic effects on calves at weaning period (calf performance) and health applications (potential benefits in calf’s health and safety use). Since preweaning period, diary calves are vulnerable due to innate immune system, not fully capable of protection the organism against pathogenic actions. Thus, in order to minimise the stress during weaning period and to encourage efficient valorisation of nutrients probiotics and prebiotics are used as natural feed supplements. The article describes interrelations of probiotics and physiological responses to weaning, given that such aspects are very important due to the detrimental balance provided from dietary and physiological mechanisms concerned weaning calves. The importance of exploiting this valuable resource rises with the demand of safer and more affordable alternatives for antibiotic growth promoters, reducing economic loss and promoting homeostasis, thus increasing farm profit.
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