Exploring novel feeding strategies to prevent diarrhea incidence and improve intestinal function in dairy beef calves

This study will provide novel insight into the potential benefits of feeding extended colostrum to pre-weaned calves during the first 21 days after arrival at a rearing facility, with a focus on investigating diarrhea incidence and gut function. As scientists, we are aware of the large gap between new scientific concepts and their accessibility to producers. Therefore, our goal is to bridge this gap by conducting practical, high-quality research that can be applied to provide on-farm solutions. We are also strongly committed to communicating these results to dairy and dairy beef producers at conferences and seminars. If the project is successful, we will support targeted feeding strategies that can be applied upon arrival to the rearing facilities to reduce the incidence of diarrhea, thereby improving calves’ health and welfare, and ultimately decreasing production costs and antimicrobial use. The partnership with Saskatoon Colostrum Company (SCCL) will provide relevant insights that will benefit both the academic and industrial partner. Saskatoon Colostrum Company will provide guidance, mentorship, and feedback regarding the fellow’s research plan, execution, and interpretation. At the same time, SCCL will benefit from this research as it will improve their understanding of the use of their colostrum replacer and its potential use as a feeding strategy to improve calves’ health, and gut function, and decrease the incidence of diarrhea. This will improve SCCL’s ability to formulate colostrum replacers for calves to ultimately improve calf growth and health.

Faculty Supervisor:

Michael Steele

Student:

Partner:

Saskatoon Colostrum Company Ltd.

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

University of Guelph

Program: