Changes in fecal flora and organic acid concentrations during growth of dairy calves and influence of raffinose feeding on the fecal characteristics
2007
Nakai, T.(Nippon Beet Sugar Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Obihiro, Hokkaido (Japan)) | Sato, T. | Sadoya, H. | Nagura, T. | Hanada, M. | Okamoto, M.
To evaluate the influence of raffinose on fecal flora and organic acid concentrations in the feces of dairy calves in growth, twelve Holstein calves (6 male and 6 female) age 1-7 weeks were examined. The twelve calves were each assigned to either the control (C) group or raffinose administrated (R) group. Each group included 3 male and 3 female calves. The calves in the R group were given 100mL of raffinose solution including 5 g of raffinose with milk replacer twice a day. There were no differences in starter intake or body weight gain between treatments. With advancing growth of the calves, the number of Enterobacteriaceae and Streptococcus in feces decreased in the C group, and the number of Streptococcus in feces tended to decrease in the R group. No changes in the number of Lactobacillus in feces between treatments were observed. The frequency of occurrence of Bifidobacterium and lecitinase-positive Clostridium was low (16-66%) in both treatments. At 6 and 7 weeks of age, the fecal volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations increased, and the fecal pH level decreased in the C group. However, no changes in the fecal VFA concentrations and pH level were observed at the same age in the R group.
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