Comparisons of Two Strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus as Dietary Adjuncts for Young Calves

Abstract

Numbers of facultative lactobacilli increased in fecal flora of neonatal dairy calves during 2 wk following birth. This was accompanied by reductions in numbers of coliforms in feces. Calves that were fed pasteurized Whole milk containing cells of Lactobacillus acidopbilus exhibited greater increases in numbers of lactobacilli and greater reductions in numbers of coliforms. More lactobacilli and fewer coliforms were found in small intestines of calveswhich received L. acidophilus than in control calves. The strain of L. acidophilus isolated from the intestine of a young calf produced greater changes than did a strain of human origin.