Effects of milk, milk replacer, and milk replacer plus ethoxyquin on the growth performance, weaning stress, and the fecal microbiota of Holstein dairy calves.

ABSTRACT: The growth and health statuses of calves during the early stages of development have a significant effect on milk production during their first lactation period. Using appropriate milk replacers helps meet the long-term targets of dairy farmers. This study aimed to examine the effects of milk, milk replacer, and milk replacer plus ethoxyquin on growth performance, antioxidant status, immune function, and the gut microbiota of Holstein dairy calves. A total of 36 neonatal dairy calves were randomly divided into three groups and fed different diets: one group was fed milk, another group was fed milk replacer, and the third group was given milk replacer plus ethoxyquin. The supplementation with ethoxyquin was started on day 35 of the feeding period. The calves were weaned on day 45, and the e

SUBMITTER: Wei X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10040532 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature