Effect of supplementing probiotic, prebiotic and synbiotic on economics in weaned Gir calves

Abstract

Dairy calves are widely recognized as the future of the herd. Thus, management approaches have an impact on calf performance. The use of probiotic, prebiotics and synbiotic may be a viable option to increase the proliferation of commensal bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, modulate feeding behaviour, and optimize calf health. Twenty-four weaned Gir calves (4-6 month old) were distributed into four equal homogenous groups on the basis of their live body weight and sex in completely randomized design (CRD). The control (T1) group was offered a basal diet consisting of concentrate, green sorghum and dry fodder (Groundnut haulms) without any additional supplementation, while T2, T3 and T4 groups were supplemented basal diet with probiotic @ 10 gm/calf/day, prebiotic @ 10 gm/calf/day, symbiotic @ 20 gm/calf/day, respectively, for a period of 180 days. Average cost (?/kg body weight gain) were 122.78±13.60, 79.01±3.40, 85.37±4.90 and 82.80±6.89 in T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively. Average costs of feeding (?/calf/day) was non-significantly (p?0.05) affected by all the treatments. Average costs (?/kg body weight gain) was significantly (p?0.002) affected by different treatments groups. Supplementation of probiotic has reduced cost/Kg gain by 35.64 percent, synbiotic supplementation has reduced cost/Kg gain by 32.56 percent and prebiotic supplementation has reduced cost/Kg gain by 30.46 percent as compared to control group.