Approaches to Enhancing the Gastrointestinal Health of Calves

The gastrointestinal tract (GIT), as the largest immunological organ of the body, plays a pivotal role in calf health, growth, and long-term productivity. Important contributors to optimal gastrointestinal function of calves include colostrum status, a balanced intestinal flora, nutrition, intestinal immune factors, motility, and transport of nutrients. The promotion of GIT health of young calves through dietary manipulations, nutritional supplements, addition of immune components, oral antibiotics, and vaccinations are discussed. Antibiotic alternatives to improve growth and reduce enteric disease are plasma proteins, immunoglobulins, probiotic bacteria, yeast cultures, and oligosaccharides. To ascertain health, growth, and profitability from measures taken to improve intestinal immune function, outcome measurements, intestinal health parameters, and dietary composition should be monitored closely.