Effect of mannanoligosaccharide (MOS) and inulin supplementation on the performance and certain physiological parameters of calves reared on milk replacer

Abstract

The objective of the study was to examine the effects of mannanoligosaccharide (MOS) or inulin on fourty-five HF calves’ performance and certain physiological parameters. Next to the control group (15 calves, no treatment), 15–15 calves received 18.7 g/calf/day MOS or inulin supplementation with milk replacer from 1st day of age to weaning. Feed intake was measured daily. Body weight was monitored on days 1, 14, 21 and 60. Blood samples were taken on days 30 and 60 to determine clinicochemical parameters Total faecal counts of the main faecal bacteria contents were determined from faecal samples collected on days 15 and 30. Mean feed intake, body weight and daily weight gain were similar in the groups. Inulin caused lower total protein level of the blood. Faecal concentration of total anaerobic bacteria and Lactobacillus was significantly increased by inulin compared to MOS. Inulin caused higher total aerobic bacteria count in faeces compared to control. The germ count of Clostridium perfringens from calves fed inulin was higher than that of other treatments. It should be stated that higher (18.7 g/day/calf) dietary level of inulin or MOS had minor alterations in parameters and failed to significantly modulate performance and physiological parameters of calves.

Keywords

• mannanoligosaccharide
• inulin
• dairy calves
• intestinal microbiota
• clinical chemistry