Calf diarrhea or scours is one of the most significant and costly problems dairy producers face on a daily basis. A study was designed and conducted to evaluate the effects of direct-fed microbials on the performance and digestive tract morphology of neo-natal/transition Holstein bull calves. Treatments consisted of a control (n = 21) and a treatment (n = 22) of direct-fed microbial (5 x 108 cfu) supplemented daily. Samples of the rumen, duodenum, and ileum were harvested at the time of slaughter and examined for differences in morphology. Although the direct-fed microbial did not effect performance, it positively effected the ruminal papillae as well as the ileal villi. These data indicate that direct-fed microbials may increase the nutrient absorptive surface area of the rumen and ileum, resulting in a healthier digestive tract.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:arizona.edu/oai:arizona.openrepository.com:10150/193345 |
| Date | January 2006 |
| Creators | Dick, Karianne |
| Contributors | Duff, Glenn C., Duff, Glenn C. |
| Publisher | The University of Arizona. |
| Source Sets | University of Arizona |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text, Electronic Thesis |
| Rights | Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author. |
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