Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Ph.D Graduated Dept. of Animal and Poultry nutrition, Faculty of Animal Science, Gorgan University of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources
2 Department of Animal and Poultry Nutrition, , Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
3 Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran
Abstract
Effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae on growth performance, health index, nutrient digestibility, serum metabolites and feed consumption behavior of infant calves using 18 Simmental infant male calves aged about 20 days and initial body weight 47±2.4 kg was studied in a completely randomized design with three treatments and six replications. Treatments included: 1- control group (without yeast), 2- treatments containing 2.5 grams of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast per day and 3- Treatments containing five grams of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast per day. The trial period was 60 days, which included a seven-day acclimatization period. Dry matter intake and daily weight gain were measured and feed conversion ratio was calculated. Digestibility of nutrients and blood metabolites were measured. Calves receiving five grams of yeast had higher weight gain and better conversion ratio (P <0.05). Blood glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride and nitrogen urea concentrations were not affected by experimental treatments. Dry matter digestibility was higher in calves consuming 5 g of yeast than the control group (P <0.05). According to the results of this study, the use of yeast improves daily weight gain and improves feed conversion ratio as well as significantly increases dry matter digestibility, so it is possible to use Sacromycis cerevisiae in the diets of suckling calves, Used at a level of five grams per day.
Keywords
)