Effect of high acid milk replacer in conjunction with hay and concentrates on the faecal coliform population of preweaned calves
Humphrey, T.J.; Kirk, J.A.; Cooper, R.A.
Veterinary Record 110(4): 85
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 7039081 Document Number: 184194
Nine calves were fed conventional high-fat milk substitute twice daily, and seven were given a high-acid substitute in restricted amount from four days of age. Faecal coliform counts of calves fed the high-acid preparation were lower than those of the other calves at two weeks, and continued to fall during the first month, but then started to rise, finishing just below those of the other calves by the 40th day. There was little difference between groups in lactobacilli counts, faecal dry weight and faecal pH. Further experiments to discover if this antibacterial action extends to pathogenic enterobacteria would seem to be justified.