The Moos Room™

How does raising calves individually, in groups, or alongside their dams shape their gut microbiome? In this episode of The Moos Room, Brad  discusses a University of Minnesota study examining how these three rearing systems influence microbial communities, growth, and the transition through weaning.

Individually housed calves and calves raised in groups of six received similar diets and developed similar gut microbiomes, suggesting that calf-to-calf contact alone had little influence on microbial diversity. Dam-reared calves, however, developed distinct microbial communities and had the highest average daily gains. Their lower microbial diversity before weaning did not correspond with poorer growth.

Brad explores how access to milk, contact with adult cows, and exposure to solid feeds may help explain these differences. Within three to four days after weaning, microbial diversity increased in dam-reared calves as they transitioned away from milk, although some differences among rearing systems remained. Because the systems differed in several ways, the findings reflect the combined effects of diet, environment, and maternal contact.

The episode also includes updates on fall grazing, virtual fencing, and ongoing calf research at the West Central Research and Outreach Center, plus a preview of Brad’s upcoming trip to Sweden.

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