Cultured Milk and Antibiotics for Young Calves

One hundred and forty-three Holstein calves were used in two trials to measure the response from oral administration of antibiotic in a herd with long use of antibiotic. In one of the trials half of the calves were fed milk cultured with Lactobacillus acidopbilus and Lactobacillus lactis; the others (control) were fed pasteurized milk. Calves receiving 83 mg oxytetracycline daily consumed more starter, gained more weight, and tended to have firmer feces than did those in the control group. All calves were healthy. The cultured milk did not affect weight gains or frequency of diarrhea significantly. Calves fed cultured milk consumed less starter.