Establishment of gut microbiota and impact on host immune function with early-probiotic supplementation in neonate calves

The neonatal and pre-weaned periods are the most challenging in dairy production, resulting in the highest mortality and morbidity rates, with diarrhea proving the most common cause of calf health problems. In order to treat and control this diarrhea, producers often rely on antibiotic therapy. An alternative is to provide living microorganisms (probiotics) that minimize pathogenic bacteria colonization of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), without producing drug residues, when directly fed to animals. The aim of the proposed project is to examine whether the addition of one specific yeast probiotic, Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii (SCB), impacts gastrointestinal microbiota and immune function in early-life calves. This will be the first study to explore the relationship between gut microbiota and host response with repeated measures. One part of the physiological mechanisms behind how probiotics affects gut health in calves will be potentially revealed.

Faculty Supervisor:

Leluo Guan;Michael Steele

Student:

Partner:

Lallemand Bio Ingredients

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture; Manufacturing; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Alberta

Program: