The effect of injectional administration of zataria-multiflora boiss L.essence on growth performance and some of serum biochemical parameters in neonatal calves

This study aimed to explore the impact of injecting Zataria multiflora essence on growth performance and serum biochemical parameters in preweaning calves. Fifteen Holstein calves, aged 3-8 days with an average weight of 40.7±0.70 kg, were randomly assigned to three groups: a control group receiving a placebo, a group receiving 100 mg/kg of Zataria multiflora essential oil (MZ100), and a group receiving 200 mg/kg of Zataria multiflora essential oil (MZ200) via injection. The growth performance, daily feed intake, blood parameters, fecal appearance consistency, and feces microbial population calves were assessed. The results of this study showed that the MZ200 group exhibited the highest feed consumption and body weight compared to the control (p<0.05). Blood glucose concentration was highest in the control group and lowest in the MZ100 group 24 hours' post-injection and one month later (p<0.05). Microbial population analysis revealed that the control group had the highest fecal Escherichia coli population, while the MZ200 group had the lowest (p<0.05). The injection of 200 mg/kg of Zataria multiflora essential oil at birth appeared to enhance calf growth, improve feeding efficiency, and positively influence some blood parameters.