Finding solutions to alleviate gastrointestinal health in dairy cows and calves

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The Canadian dairy industry contributes almost $20 billion to the gross domestic product, constituting one of the country's largest agricultural sectors. Given its contribution and significance, it is critical that the dairy industry find solutions to issues that jeopardize animal health, welfare, and productivity. One common concern among periparturient dairy cows and preweaning calves is increased gastrointestinal (GIT) barrier dysfunction and inflammation, associated with high morbidity and decreased productivity, negatively impacting animal welfare and farm profitability. Probiotics have been successfully used to treat and prevent GIT-related disorders in humans. In monogastric animals, supplementation of the probiotic yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii CNCM I-1079 (SCB) has been shown to modulate GIT permeability, microbiota, and immune response of immune-compromised subjects, effectively improving GIT function, health, and productivity. Previous studies evaluating yeast supplementation in dairy cows focused mainly on feed intake, digestibility of feeds, and production responses in established lactation. However, there is a paucity of studies assessing the effects of SCB on GIT permeability and inflammation of periparturient cows and preweaning calves. Therefore, the overall objective of this research project is to evaluate SCB supplementation as an innovative solution to alleviate GIT barrier dysfunction and inflammation during the transition and preweaning periods of dairy cows and calves. The outcomes of this research will determine the efficacy of a nonantimicrobial alternative to enhance the health, welfare, and performance of dairy cows and preweaning calves. As such, this proposal will reduce the dairy industry's reliance on antimicrobial treatments, thus aligning with the market and consumer demands to improve animal health, welfare, and food safety.