The effects of supplementation of milk with sodium butyrate on calf performance, some blood parameters and fecal Escherichia coli (E. coli) presence1

The present study was conducted to determine the effects of supplementation of milk with sodium butyrate (SB), on calf performance, some blood parameters and Escherichia coli (E.coli) presence in feces. 10 male and 10 female Holstein calves of 7 days of age and 40-45 kg live weight were selected for the trial which lasted 50 days. The milk given to the trial group in the morning feeding was supplemented with SB at a dosage of 3 g/day from day 7 to 21 and 5 g/day from day 21 to 49. Water was provided ad libitum. On days 7 and 50, blood samples were drawn from 6 randomly selected calves from each group for Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), β-Hydroxybutyric Acid (BHBA), Immunoglobulin A (IgA) and Growth Hormone (GH) determinations. Fecal samples were also collected for E.coli counts. At the end of the study, it was observed that SB supplementation had a positive effect on IgA and GH throughout the trial, as well as on GCAA from day 21 to 35 (p0.05). E.coli analysis in feces, revealed %33.33 less pressure in trial group calves.