Medycyna Wet. 67 (3), 207-212, 2011
| M. Szymańska-Czerwińska, D. Bednarek |
| Effect of tylosin and prebiotics on the selected haematological indices and health status of calves |
| The aim of the study was to estimate the effect of tylosin and prebiotics added to feed on the blood morphology and general health condition of calves. The experiment consisted of two independent stages: laboratory examinations and a field trial to determine the general health condition of the animals. The first stage of the experiment involved 36 clinically healthy calves, aged 6-8 weeks, and lasted 7 weeks. During that period, blood samples were taken from the animals twice a week, and routine haematological indices - i.e. RBC, HCT, MCV, HGB, MCH, MCHC, WBC, LYM, MID, PMNL, PTL and MPV - were determined. The results obtained in the first stage of the study showed a significant increase in the total number of leukocytes and some of their subsets, i.e. PMNL, and especially LYM and MID, in calves receiving prebiotics. Higher values of these indices were also noted in calves treated with tylosin. Distinct stimulating effects of both additives were also observed in some haematological parameters, such as RBC, HCT, HGB and PTL. In the field stage of the study the general health status of 120 calves was evaluated. The health status of the animals in experimental groups was satisfactory; on the other hand, a few control calves suffered from infectious respiratory problems, which had to be treated with antibiotics. |
| Key words: tylosin, prebiotics, haematological indices, health status, calves |