The effect of a Forest Biomass Supplement on Morphophysiological Parameters of Calves

Abstract

Breeding, preserving, and successfully rearing young animals resistant to various environmental influences is one of the main parameters of effective livestock management. The study aimed to study the indicators of natural resistance and the growth rate of calves under the influence of dietary supplements. The studies were carried out on four groups of black-and-white calves, 10 heads each, at the age of 2-5 months. The dairy calves of the control group were fed according to the ration adopted on the farm (basic ration, including cereal-legume hay, whole milk, milk replacer, concentrates, chalk, salt). In addition to the main diet, the animals of the experimental groups were given a dietary supplement. At 2-3, 3-4, and 4-5, months of age, calves were given 12-23, 19-38, and 23-47  g.head-1 of dietary supplement per day, respectively. The article deals with the effect of a forest biomass supplement on the morphophysiological parameters of calves. Biochemical blood analysis and the features of metabolic processes in the bodies of animals are studied. The results indicated that the use of a dietary supplement at a dosage of 30 g/head of cattle per day contributes to the highest increase (9.9%) in live weight gain of experimental animals and an improvement in natural resistance parameters (bactericidal activity of blood serum, phagocytic activity of neutrophils). Based on the data of biochemical and haematological blood tests, the authors conclude that the inclusion of a dietary supplement in the diet of calves has a positive effect on the indices of natural resistance and the course of nitrogen metabolism.