Enhance Rumen Development in Calves.
Lactipro® is a rumen-native probiotic consisting of a live, stable and naturally occurring proprietary strain of Megasphaera elsdenii (Mega e®) which consumes lactic acid and produces butyric acid. Lactipro supports dairy calves — both purebred dairy breeds and crossbred calves — through the pre- and post-weaning phases. It’s a natural tool to fuel a healthy start.
Although naturally occurring in the rumen, Mega e levels are minimal at birth and increase gradually over time. After Lactipro provides increased levels of Mega e in the rumen, studies have demonstrated increased weight gain, greater intake of starter diets, increased butyrate levels, improved rumen structure, and improved post-weaning performance.
A peer-reviewed study1 of 30 pre-weaned Holstein calves showed that, compared to controls, calves given Lactipro early in life:
- Had more advanced rumen development
- Produced higher levels of butyrate in the rumen
- Consumed more starter feed
- Were heavier at weaning
Improved rumen development
Effect of Lactipro on rumen development of calves at 42 days of age Calves drenched with Lactipro had heavier rumens, wider papillae, and greater papillae density than calves that did not receive Lactipro. The increase in rumen development indicates that calves given Lactipro are better prepared to be weaned and transition to solid feed intake.
Effect of Lactipro on ruminal butyrate concentrations at 42 days of age Calves drenched with Lactipro had higher ruminal butyrate concentrations. Butyrate has been shown to stimulate rumen development.
Increased feed intake and weight
Effect of Lactipro on pre-weaning performance and intake of calves weaned at 42 days of age Calves drenched with Lactipro at 14 days of age consumed more starter feed and were heavier at weaning than calves that did not receive Lactipro.
Effect of Lactipro on pre- and post-weaning performance In another study,2 13 calves received Lactipro at 14 days of age, and their performance was compared to 13 controls. A liquid diet of whole milk was offered ad libitum. All calves were weaned at 56 days of age, and their performance was tracked until 70 days of age. The calves administered Lactipro gained more weight, at a lower cost of gain, than control animals. In the critical post-weaning phase, the Lactipro calves were 27 pounds heavier than controls.
A practical enhancement to the calf raiser’s toolbox By promoting rumen development, Lactipro sets calves up for more successful weaning as they transition from a liquid diet to an exclusively forage and grain-based ration. As a practical on-farm tool, Lactipro:
- Delivers an immediate, live population of Mega e that can begin proliferating more rapidly than the Mega e found naturally in the rumen.
- Is compatible with ionophores, yeasts and other probiotics that are often fed to pre-weaned calves in milk or starter grain.
- Provides a non-antibiotic method of supporting rumen development to promote calf health and optimize early life growth.
- Can be applied at a flexible range of 7-14 days of age, allowing administration to be combined with other calf-handling tasks such as disbudding, genomic sampling or collecting ear punches for BVD surveillance.
