Yeast culture improves growth, antioxidant status, immunity, and gut microbiota homeostasis in preweaning Holstein calves.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Calves in the lactation period exhibit limited disease resistance and stress tolerance, making them particularly vulnerable to health challenges such as diarrhoea. Yeast culture (YC) supplementation has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance health and growth in young ruminants. This study aimed to investigate the effects of YC supplementation on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immune function, and intestinal microbiota composition in lactating Holstein calves.

Methods

A total of 40 lactating Holstein calves were randomly assigned to either a control group or a YC-supplemented group, with the feeding trial lasting 60 days. Growth performance parameters were recorded, serum antioxidant and immune markers were evaluated, and gut microbial diversity a

SUBMITTER: Li X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12452099 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature