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Effects of composite probiotics on growth performance, diarrhea rate, and serum indicators in newborn Holstein calves |
Kun Yang1 
, Na Qian1
, Yuanyuan Xing1
, Min. Gao1
, Dabiao Li1,*
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Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China |
Correspondence:
Dabiao Li,Email: da_biao1980@163.com
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Received: 25 September 2025 • Revised: 29 November 2025 • Accepted: 30 December 2025 |
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| Abstract |
Objective
The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of compound probiotics on growth performance, diarrhea incidence, fecal pathogenic microorganisms, and serum parameters in newborn calves.
Methods
A total of 48 healthy newborn calves with similar body weights (mean ± SD: 37.0 ± 2.0 kg) were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 16 per group). Control group (CON), yeast group (CP1), Bacillus licheniformis + yeast group (CP2). The feeding trial lasted for 60 days. Growth performance, diarrhea incidence, fecal scores, and serum parameters were assessed on days 1, 30, and 60 of the trial, while fecal samples collected on days 15 and 30 were analyzed for pathogenic microorganism positivity.
Results
Compared with CON group, calves in the CP2 group had higher body weight (BW; day 30; p<0.05), average daily gain (ADG; days 1–30; p<0.05), and feed efficiency (FE; days 1–30; p<0.05). Compared with CON group, the incidence of diarrhea and fecal scores (days 1–60) were lower in both CP1 and CP2 groups (p<0.05). Fecal samples from these groups also exhibited reduced positive rates of pathogenic microorganisms (rotavirus, coronavirus, cryptosporidium). Notably, compared with CON group, serum antioxidant and immune markers, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels were elevated (p<0.05), whereas malondialdehyde (MDA) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels were decreased (p<0.05), and serum diamine oxidase (DAO) levels were also reduced in the CP1 and CP2 groups (p<0.05). Furthermore, compared with the CON group, calves in the CP2 group exhibited lower serum cortisol (Cor) and higher growth hormone (GH) levels (p<0.05). No interactions between treatment and period were observed.
Conclusion
The combined use of Bacillus licheniformis and yeast exerts synergistic effects by promoting growth and development in newborn calves, reducing diarrhea incidence, enhancing antioxidant and immune functions, and improving overall health.
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| Keywords:
Compound Probiotic; Diarrhea Rate; Calves; Antioxidant Capacity; Growth performance |
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