Modulating gastrointestinal microbiota to alleviate diarrhea in calves

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Microbiology
• Animal Science

Background:

• Calfhood is critical for heifer development, but young calves have immature gut immunity, increasing susceptibility to intestinal pathogens.
• Calf diarrhea causes significant economic losses and contributes to antibiotic resistance and residues in meat.
• Gut microbiota establishment post-birth is vital for immune function and growth, making early intervention crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role and mechanisms of oral probiotics in alleviating calf diarrhea.
• To explore antibiotic alternatives for improving calf health and addressing public health concerns.
• To highlight the importance of early gut microbiota modulation in newborn calves.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on oral probiotics such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Faecalibacterium.
• Analysis of mechanisms by which these probiotics influence the calf gastrointestinal tract.
• Examination of early gut microbiota interventions including probiotics and microbiota transplantation.

Main Results:

• Oral probiotics can effectively relieve calf diarrhea by modulating gut microbiota.
• Specific genera like Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Faecalibacterium are key players in this process.
• Early microbiota interventions offer a sustainable alternative to antibiotic use.

Conclusions:

• Oral probiotics represent a viable antibiotic alternative for managing calf diarrhea.
• Modulating the early-life gut microbiota is essential for optimizing calf health and productivity.
• Sustainable livestock production requires responsible approaches to animal health, minimizing antibiotic reliance.