Effect of Multi-Species Probiotic Supplementation on Fecal Microbiota in Pre-Weaned Holstein Dairy Calves in California.

2025-08-02
Microorganisms 13(8)

PubMed: 40871314
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms13081810

Study Design

Type: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Sample size: n = 30
Population: 30 neonatal calves
Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted in California, USA; 30 neonatal calves were randomly assigned to either the probiotic (PRO) or control (CON) treatment. Fecal samples were collected at four age timepoints: days 7, 14, 21, and 42, and fecal bacterial population was analyzed using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing.

The gross benefit of feeding multi-species probiotics has been reported, but the effect on the gut microbiota in pre-weaned dairy calves has not been elucidated. To address this gap, a randomized controlled trial was conducted in California, USA, to investigate the effect of feeding probiotics on the fecal microbiota of pre-weaned dairy calves. A total of 30 neonatal calves were randomly assigned to either the probiotic (PRO) or control (CON) treatment. Fecal samples were collected at four age timepoints: days 7, 14, 21, and 42. Fecal bacterial population was analyzed using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Differential abundance analysis was conducted to investigate the difference between the PRO and CON treatments, and diarrheic and non-diarrheic calves in each PRO and CON group. The PRO group had decreased Clostridium perfringens and Fusobacterium varium compared to the CON at 7 days of age. At 7 days of age, diarrheic calves in CON had more abundant F. varium compared to non-diarrheic calves, but there was no difference between diarrheic and non-diarrheic calves in the PRO group. In conclusion, probiotics administration decreased the population of pathogenic bacteria in feces from pre-weaned dairy calves on Day 7 of age. However, the treatment did not have an impact on bacterial diversity. These results suggest that the administration of probiotics has the potential to control gastrointestinal pathogens.

Research Insights

Supplement	Dose	Health Outcome	Effect Type	Effect Size	Source
Lactobacillus amylovorus	—	Reduced Fecal Excretion of Pathogenic Bacteria	Beneficial	Small	View source The PRO group had decreased Clostridium perfringens and Fusobacterium varium compared to the CON at 7 days of age.
Lactobacillus amylovorus	—	Reduced Pathogen Association	Beneficial	Small	View source At 7 days of age, diarrheic calves in CON had more abundant F. varium compared to non-diarrheic calves, but there was no difference between diarrheic and non-diarrheic calves in the PRO group.