Effect of probiotics Vetom 1 and Vetom 1.2 on some homeostatic indices in calves

Abstract

The current requirements for agricultural products include limiting the use of chemotherapeutic drugs (antibiotics, sulfonamides, etc.) by substituting them with probiotics. The research goal is to study the effect of probiotics of the Vetom series (Vetom 1 and Vetom 1.2.) on the morpho-biochemical status of calves and the degree of dyspepsia prevention in calves. The studies were conducted on 3 groups of comparable calves, 15 heads in each group, in the spring. The groups were formed of calves from birth to 2 months of age. The first group of calves received Vetom 1 in addition to the main diet at a dose of 50 mg kg from the birth. The second group - Vetom 1.2 in addition to the main diet, at a dose of 50 mg kg. In case of calves suffering from dyspepsia, the dose of the Vetom products was increased to 100 mg kg of the animal weight for therapeutic purposes until the gastrointestinal tract functions were restored. The third control group received the main diet. In case of the disease of the control calves, the antibiotics Riphocycline were used at a dose of 300 mg kg, orally, 2 times a day and Enroxil, subcutaneously, 1 mL per 20 kg of calf weight, 1 time per day. The calves' blood was tested for the following indices: RBC, WBC, Hb level, blood color index, alanine aminotransferase, glucose, creatinine, retinol, lipase, triglycerides, alkaline reserve, and ketone bodies. Dyspepsia cases were observed in calves under 2 months of age in 67% of calves; dyspepsia was accompanied by increased WBC (up to 10.89 ± 0.76 thousand μl), glucose concentration (up to 8.18 ± 1.23 mmol L), as well as decreased color index (up to 0.45 ± 0.12), retinol content (up to 18.63 ± 8.87 μg%) and alkaline reserve (up to 19.83 ± 0.90 mmol L). The use of probiotic products of the Vetom series significantly reduced the severity and frequency of dyspepsia in calves in the early postnatal period up to their complete prevention.