Bovine Oligosaccharides and their Effects on Neonatal Calf Gut Function, Microbial Composition, and Development

Newborn calf health is a major challenge, with digestive disorders being one of the main causes of illness, leading to antimicrobial use in the first week of life. While colostrum provides immune factors needed to achieve passive immunity, it also contains prebiotic sugars called oligosaccharides (OS). These sugars are under researched in calves but are shown to improve gut function in human infants as OS feed beneficial bacteria (Bifidobacterium) within the gut. We will test OS supplied by Denkavit to determine what the optimal dose is to stimulate Bifidobacteria growth isolated from neonatal calves. Results will allow Denkavit and its Canadian partner Grober Nutrition advance their understanding of their additive products to potentially add to milk replacer to help improve gut function in calves. This work will overall support the development of more advanced feeding strategies, reduce antimicrobial use, and will help bring innovative, research-driven products to the Canadian and global dairy markets.

Faculty Supervisor:

Michael Steele

Student:

Partner:

Denkavit;Grober Nutrition Ltd.

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture

University:

University of Guelph

Program: