Enhanced Growth of Calves Fed Orego-Stim®
Summary
- Orego-Stim Liquid, when provided at a dose of 2ml/calf/day, improved growth performance of dairy calves by 2kg at day 56 (weaning) and 2.9kg by 70 days of age.
- This could result in an additional 21-31kg of milk in the first lactation, giving a ROI of 4.5:1.
Background
- Orego-Stim is a high quality phytogenic eubiotic containing 100% natural oregano oil.
- Heavier calves at weaning, and those with a higher average daily gain (ADG) from birth to weaning, have demonstrated a higher milk production during their first lactations (Chester-Jones et al., 2017).
- Greater ADG and bodyweight are associated with better fertility in heifers. (Brickell et al., 2009).
Trial Design
An independent trial was carried out at the AgriFood and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) in Northern Ireland, to assess the efficacy of Orego-Stim Liquid on calf growth and health.70 Holstein-Friesian dairy calves were assigned to one of two treatments from birth until 70 days of age. Treatments were; Control- no additives; Orego-Stim- 2ml/calf/day of Orego-Stim Liquid. Groups were balanced for gender and birth weight. All calves were provided sufficient colostrum to ensure adequate transfer of immunity (IgG) from dam to calf.
From 5 days of age, calves were housed in straw pens and offered reconstituted milk replacer at 150g/litre and fed up to 6 litres per day via automatic milk feeders until day 35. Allocation was then stepped down until weaning at 56 days of age. Calf starter feed was available ad libitum throughout, with automatic weigh scales at these feeders, allowing multiple daily weights for each calf to be measured. Any incidence of scour or pneumonia was recorded daily.
Results
- Calves offered Orego-Stim Liquid were 2kg heavier at weaning (56 days of age; p<0.05) and 2.9kg heavier at 70 days of age (p=0.05) (Fig 1).
- Calves offered Orego-Stim Liquid had a 6.8% greater ADG than control calves (p=0.06) (Fig 2).
- There was no scour in any calf and 4 calves exhibiting signs of pneumonia (in the Control group only).
- Orego-Stim Liquid is an effective phytogenic eubiotic to help support growth rates in dairy calves both pre and post-weaning.
- This may lead to increased milk yields is the first lactation, offering a potential ROI of 4.5:1.
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