Iranian Journal of animal Science

Iranian Journal of animal Science

The effect of using fennel powder in starter diets on performance, immunity system and biometric parameters of Holstein calves

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Sara Saeedi 1
Omid Dayani 2
Amin Khezri 3
Reza Tahmasbi 3
1 M.Sc. Student of Animal Science, Department of Animal Science Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Department of Animal Science Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Iran
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Animal Science Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Iran
10.22059/ijas.2015.56822
Abstract
In order to investigate the effect of adding Fennel powder (Foeniculum vulgare) in starter diet on performance, immunity system and biometric parameters of Holstein calves, 30 Holstein calves (15 males and 15 females) with birth weight of 40±0.5 kg were used in a completely randomized design. Experimental diets were: 1. starter without Fennel powder (control), 2. starter containing 0.4% Fennel powder and 3) starter with 0.8% of the Fennel powder. Average dry matter intake of calves increased by adding Fennel powder (P<0.05). Average daily gain of calves was highest with 0.4% of the Fennel powder (P<0.05). The average of weaning age and milk intake were lower in calves fed with fennel powder than control group (P<0.05). Effect of experimental diets on average fecal consistency in the period before weaning, after weaning and the total period were significant (P<0.05) only for two weeks after weaning. Blood eosinophil of calves were affected by the experimental diets (P<0.05). Thus, adding 0.4% Fennel powder in starter diet improves performance of Holstein dairy calves and reduces weaning age and eosinophils.
Keywords
fennel powder
Holstein calf
performance
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Iranian Journal of animal Science
Volume 46, Issue 4 - Serial Number 4
Winter 2016
Pages 371-378

  • Receive Date 01 July 2014
  • Revise Date 29 September 2015
  • Accept Date 05 October 2015