Effects of dietary inclusion of clinoptilolite in colostrum and milk of dairy calves on absorption of antibodies against Escherichia coli and the incidence of diarrhea
The study investigates the impact of clinoptilolite, a natural zeolite, on the absorption of antibodies against Escherichia coli and the incidence of diarrhea in dairy calves. Conducted on a commercial dairy farm in Northern Greece, the experiment involved 84 clinically healthy Holstein calves divided into three groups: Group Z1 received 1 g/kg body weight (BW) of clinoptilolite, Group Z2 received 2 g/kg BW, and Group C served as a control with no clinoptilolite. The calves were monitored for 10 days post-calving, with blood samples taken at various intervals to measure antibody levels against E. coli.
Results indicated that calves receiving clinoptilolite had significantly higher antibody levels compared to controls, with Group Z2 showing the highest levels. Additionally, the incidence of diarrhea was notably lower in the clinoptilolite groups, with only 3.5% and 7% of calves in Groups Z2 and Z1, respectively, experiencing diarrhea, compared to 25% in the control group. The duration of diarrhea was also shorter in the clinoptilolite groups. The study suggests that clinoptilolite enhances the intestinal absorption of antibodies and reduces diarrhea incidence, potentially due to its ability to bind harmful substances in the gut and improve the overall health status of the calves.
This research paper is significant in the field of veterinary medicine and animal nutrition as it provides empirical evidence supporting the use of clinoptilolite as a dietary supplement for improving calf health. The findings contribute to ongoing discussions about enhancing passive immunity in newborn calves, a critical factor in their early survival and health. By demonstrating that clinoptilolite can increase antibody absorption and reduce diarrhea, the study offers practical implications for dairy farmers seeking to minimize financial losses associated with calf diarrhea, a common issue in the industry. The research also opens avenues for further studies on the mechanisms by which clinoptilolite affects immunoglobulin absorption and overall calf health.
