Effects of mannanoligosaccharide-β glucan or antibiotics on health and performance of dairy calves.

Twenty four Holstein calves at birth (initial BW= 40±3.0 kg) were used to study the effects of mannanoligosaccharide–β Glucan (MOS-β Glucan) or antibiotics on health and performance of dairy calves. Calves were assigned randomly to one of three treatments. Treatments included: whole milk with no additives (control), whole milk containing MOS-β Glucan at 4g per meal, whole milk containing antibiotic at 500 mg of oxytetracycline/d. Calves received whole milk twice daily. Water and starter were offered ad lib throughout the trial of 56 days. Body weight were measured at birth and thereafter weekly till 8 wk of age. Starter intake were measured daily. Faecal scores were monitored 3 times per week. Blood samples were collected at 3, 7, 15, 30, 45 and 56 days, and analyzed for total protein, blood urea N, albumin and ratio albumin:glubolin. Analysis of weekly DMI revealed no significant difference from week 1 to 7 among the treatment. The calves fed MOS-β Glucan or antibiotic at 8 week had greater (P<0.05) DMI than control. During at 8 week ADG was significantly greater (P<0.01) for MOS-β Glucan and antibiotic groups. It was observed that calves fed MOS-β Glucan had lower faecal score than control and antibiotic treatments. No treatment differences in feed efficiency and blood samples were detected during the trial. This study showed that MOS-β Glucan can be substitute with antibiotic as a supplement for calf growth.