Probiotics are microorganisms, which are widely recognized for their ability to aid in establishing and maintaining a balanced microflora in the gut.
Because the calf’s gut is sterile at birth, calves need to establish a healthy gut microflora quickly to optimize their digestion and minimize the risk of enteric disease.
The balance of the developing gut microflora is key to rumen development and growth, efficient nutrient utilization by the calf, and resistance to enteric disease caused by pathogenic bacteria invading the gut.
An unfavorable composition of the gut microflora will therefore have a negative impact on calf health, growth, and weaning transition. Clinical signs of imbalance of the gut microflora include scours.