30th Annual Student Research Conference
Effects of Dietary Probiotics on Cattle Growth Performance and Stress Behavior
Alexis J. Kelsey
Dr. Jessica Colpoys, Faculty Mentor
As the livestock industry shifts away from performance based antibiotics, probiotics may be a beneficial alternative. The objective of this study was to evaluate if dietary probiotics alter growth performance and stress behavior in cattle. Two treatments were evaluated 1) control, receiving feed without probiotics and 2) probiotics, receiving feed containing 10 g per head per day of probiotics (Probios feed granuels, Chr. Hansen, Inc.). Weekly body weight, average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency, and behavior during a 10 minute novel object test (NOT) were measured in 33 female cattle > 1 year old (group 1) and seven 7-10 month old weaned calves (group 2). Group 2 calves had increased ADG and feed efficiency compared to control; however, no treatment differences were observed in group 1. Behavioral differences were observed during the NOT; however, one treatment was not clearly more stressed but rather may cope differently to the stressor.
Keywords: Probiotics, Growth performance, Stress behavior
Topic(s):Agricultural Science
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 2-
Location: GEO - SUB
Time: