Research Article

Influence of the EM^TM series probiotic agents on the results of rearing of Polish Holstein-Friesian calves

Małgorzata Szewczuk, Piotr Nowik, Katarzyna Olejnik, Leszek Jędrych, Wojciech Kruszyński

¹ West Pomeranian University of Technology, Szczecin, Poland 2 Cooperative Agrofirma Witkowo, Witkowo, Poland 3 Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Poland

1. Acta Sci. Pol. Zootechnica, 14(4), 2015, 141‒150

Abstract. The aim of the study was to demonstrate the influence of the Effective Microorganisms (EM^TM) probiotic agents on the result of calves rearing during the first 6 months of life. The study included 50 Polish Black-and-White Holstein-Friesian (PBWHF) heifers, of which 25 were in the experimental group (EXP) and 25 in the control group (C). Starting on the second day of life the calves received the EM^TM Probiotic, firstly added to the colostrum and later to milk. Starting on the 14th day of life the calves received the EM^TM – Bokashi Probiotic in the CJ feed. The calves were kept in booths, previously sprayed with EM^TM Refresh solution. The calves were weighted after birth as well as in the 30th, 60th, 90th and 180th day of rearing. The obtained data allowed calculation of daily mass gains. Throughout the study there was also health assessment carried out. In each of the rearing stages the mean body masses and daily mass gains were significantly higher in the experimental group (EXP) than in the control group (C). There was no diseases observed in the EXP calves between birth and 6th month of life, whilst digestive system disorders as well as pneumonia were observed in the control group.

Keywords: calves, probiotic, health