Comparison of two different probiotics effects on blood biochemical and hormonal parameters, and growth performance in suckling calves

This study was conducted to compare the influence of two kind of multi species probiotic on growth performance and biochemical and hormonal blood parameters. 21 male and female animals were used in thrid day of age. They were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 treatments including: control (without probiotic), probiotic Protexin and probiotic Di-pro. Dry mater intake was daily determined and body weight was measured on days 0, 20, 40 and 60. Blood samples were obtained on days 0, 30 and 60 to assess biochemical and hormonal parameters. Feed conversion ratio was lower (P<0.05) in Di-pro but there were no differences in average daily gain and dry mater intake compared to the other groups. Plasma cortisol level decreased in Di-Pro (P<0.05), and plasma T3 concentration increased in Protexin (P<0.05) compared to the other groups, while other blood parameters did not have any significant differences. The results suggest that probiotic Di-pro may improve growth performance by decreasing the feed conversion ratio in suckling Holstein calves.