Efficiency of using the feed additive lecitomix for feeding calves

Abstract

The article describes the results of a study of the effectiveness of the lecithomix feed additive on live weight gain, hematological and biochemical blood parameters of calves. The preparation contains lecithin as an active substance - 27-33% and excipients: mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids at least 5%, PEG-40 hydrogenated oil at least 0.5%, vitamin E-acetate at least 0.1%, silicon dioxide at least 27% and chalk up to 100%. The studies were conducted on red steppe calves from 7 to 180 days of age. The calves of the experimental group were given the studied feed additive from the age of 7 days as part of a mixture with whole milk replacer (WMR) for 120 days daily, but the livestock was monitored until the age of 6 months. The dosage of the test sample of the feed additive was carried out in accordance with the envisaged draft instructions for use - 2 kg of the test feed additive per 1 ton of milk replacer. Animals of the control group received milk replacer that did not contain the test feed additive. According to the results of the studies, it was established that the calves of the experimental group had an advantage over the control group in terms of body weight by 9.3 kg or 6.8% (PЈ0.01). In the experimental young animals, the blood hemoglobin level was higher by 2.9 g/l or 2.7%, the erythrocyte content was higher by 0.12ґ1012/l or 1.7%, the total protein by 2.24 g/l or 3.1%, respectively. The dry matter digestibility index of the experimental calves compared to the control group was higher by 2.9% (PЈ0.05), the organic matter content by 3.3% (PЈ0.01), crude protein by 3.5% (P?0.01), crude fat increased by 1.1% (PЈ0.01), crude fiber by 3.4% (PЈ0.05), and nitrogen-free extractive substances by 2.2% (PЈ0.01).

Keywords

• calves
• feed additive
• feed digestibility
• blood counts