Effect of feeding emulsifier and probiotic supplement with sodium butyrate on blood biochemical profile and haircoat condition in pre-ruminant crossbred calves

Abstract

The present study evaluated the effect of supplementation of emulsifier and probiotic supplement with sodium butyrate in milk replacer on haircoat condition and blood biochemical profile in pre-ruminant crossbred calves. Twelve healthy calves, seven days old, were randomly assigned to two treatment groups (n 6) for a 90-day feeding trial following step-down feeding regimen. The T1 group received milk replacer containing lysolecithin at 4gcalfday and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (1010 CFU) at 1gcalf day, while the T2 group was provided the same diet with sodium butyrate at 2 gcalf day. Calf starter and green fodder were offered ad libitum to all animals. Alopecia was assessed weekly using a 03 point scoring scale and blood biochemical indices including haemoglobin, serum glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin, A:G ratio, blood urea nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorus were measured at the end of the trial. Results showed that alopecia was evident in both groups between the 2nd and 6th weeks, but scores were significantly (P