Growth Performance, Hematological and Mineral Profile of Post-Weaning Calves as Influenced by Inclusion of Pelleted-Concentrate Supplement Containing Essential Oils and Probiotics

Two experimental factors (dietary treatment with or without pelleted-concentrate supplement (PCS) and sex) were investigated in crossbreed post-weaning calves to monitor their effects on performance, hematological profile, and plasma mineral concentration. Twenty-four post-weaning calves were classified according to sexually (either male or female) and randomly distributed into two dietary treatments that were included the first group controlled diet without PCS inclusion (CON) and second was CON plus 20% PCS inclusion (PCS). Results showed that calves received PCS resulted in higher daily gain and feed efficiency thereby had higher final weight in comparison with CON (p < 0.01). These results can be associated with higher energy intake in the PCS group (p < 0.05) although the dry matter intakes (DMI) were similar (P>0.05). Interaction effects were not detected on calves performance, hematology, and plasma mineral concentration (P>0.05). Hematological profile and plasma mineral concentration were not affected by dietary treatment, sex, and their interaction (P>0.05) except for hemoglobin in the PCS group were higher than the CON group (p < 0.05). To conclude, the mixture of probiotics, essential oils and mineral premix was given in 20% PCS inclusion showed a synergistic beneficial effect as shown in an improved of calves performance (i.e daily gain, feed efficiency, and final body weight) without affecting blood composition profile as well as plasma calcium and phosphorus concentrations.