Clinical and morphofunctional evaluation of the effectiveness of a functional feed additive based on the culture medium of Medusomyces gisevii and polysaccharide for diarrhea in calves

Abstract

Calf diarrhea is one of the most common diseases worldwide, causing serious economic losses to the livestock industry. The costs of the disease are not only due to the short-term costs associated with treatment and mortality, but also the long-term consequences such as reduced weight gain and negative impact on the overall productivity of the herd in the future. This emphasizes the relevance of developing effective methods of prevention and therapy of diarrhea in newborn calves. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a laboratory sample of biologically active composition of microbial origin (BACMP) based on Medusomyces gisevii culture medium and polysaccharide on newborn calves with signs of acute diarrhea. Vinegar bacteria and yeast included in the BACMP culture medium have pronounced probiotic properties, contributing to the restoration of the balance of intestinal microbiota. Studies were conducted on Holstein calves (n=92), with clinical signs of acute diarrhea: liquid, mushy feces of yellow color; oppression of general condition; decreased or complete lack of appetite. Calves of the experimental group (n=45) were orally administered symbiotic at a dose of 30-40 ml per head for 5-7 days, depending on the severity of clinical signs. According to the results of the study, during which the experimental group received symbiotic and the control group - antibiotic and multivitamin preparations, no statistically significant differences in the indicators of biochemical, general blood analysis and immunologic study were revealed. Recovery of clinically sick calves, according to the results of our observations, in both groups came on the 6th day of treatment.