Student Case Presentation
Effects of administration of Megasphaera elsdenii to pre-weaned Holstein calves on whole blood beta-hydroxybutyrate and growth rates
| Date/Time: |
9/11/2025 #1
|
| Presenter: |
Kendall Sattler |
| Veterinary School: |
PUR |
Abstract:
Adequate grain intake in pre-weaned dairy calves is important for growth, health, and smooth transitions through the weaning process. While increased milk feeding has been adopted in the dairy industry over recent years and has shown benefits during the pre-weaning phase, it is likely to decrease grain intakes. Several methods have been evaluated to increase grain intake in pre-weaned calves. Here we examine administration of Megasphaera elsdenii (LactiproFLX, Axiota) to pre-weaned calves and its effects on blood beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and growth rates. Megasphaera elsdenii (ME) is a rumen inhabitant that produces volatile fatty acids and promotes rumen papillary development; therefore, administration of ME could potentially increase grain intake and growth rates. Calves from three farms (n=593) which demonstrated adequate passive transfer (serum total protein ≥ 5.5 mg/dL in the first week of life) were randomly allocated to one of three groups at 24 ± 3 days of age. The first group received a single oral treatment with ME via bolus (SBME), the second group received two oral treatments with ME (TBME) via bolus, while the third group was the untreated control group (Control). Measures of whole blood BHB and weights (Precision Xtra; Coburn Holstein weight tape) were evaluated at 14 and 28 days following first treatment. No differences were found in whole blood BHB at either time point, nor was any difference in growth rates at 14 or 28 days following the first treatment (average daily gain for the 28 days following first treatment: SBME, 1.5 lbs./day; TBME, 1.6 lbs./day; Control, 1.6 lbs./day). More work is needed to evaluate the effects of ME on calf performance and further work is needed to evaluate methods to increase grain intake in pre-weaned dairy calves.
