A pilot study on the effect of a novel feed additive containing exogenous enzymes, acidifiers, sodium butyrate and silicon dioxide nanoparticles on selected cellular immune indices and body weight gains of calves

Abstract

Introduction The rearing of calves is a difficult period for farmers due to health problems to which the animals are prone this time. Since the use of antibiotics as growth promoters has been forbidden, various innovative feed additives have been tested in many countries around the world. Material and Methods In this study, experimental (E) calves were supplemented with a novel feed additive consisting of the pancreatic-like enzymes protease and lipase, a fat-coated mixture of organic fumaric, malic, citric and sorbic acids, sodium butyrate and silicon dioxide nanoparticles. Control (C) calves received feed without additive. During the supplementation, white blood cell (WBC) counts with leukocyte differentiation, percentages of B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes and their subpopulations, phagocytic activity and oxidative burst of circulating monocytes and granulocytes were examined. Body weight (b.w.) gains of the calves were also monitored. Results The WBC counts in the E and C calves were within the reference ranges throughout the study. In the analysis of the percentages of the lymphocyte subpopulations, phagocytic activity and oxidative burst, no statistically significant differences were reported between the E and C groups. However, higher average daily body weight gains were obtained for the E calves. Conclusion The study revealed that the examined feed additive did not modulate the immune response of the calves significantly. The tendency to higher daily average b.w. gains in the E calves than in the C calves suggests a beneficial effect of this feed additive.

Intra‐uterine programming of future fertility

“…Female fertility per se was not affected, but second generation placental function and lipid metabolism were disturbed (Rousseau‐Ralliard et al, 2019; Valentino et al, 2016). Domestic animals may be particularly exposed as nanomaterials are included as feed additives in livestock nutrition (Pandey et al, 2023; Reddy et al, 2020; Szacawa et al, 2021) and as farm vehicles are mostly using diesel fuel. Studies are needed to evaluate the impact of nanomaterials and air pollution in livestock on offspring fertility.…”