Effect of Probiotics for Heifers in Rearing Pasture

Effect of a probiotic additive was investigated in 76 administered and 131 control Holstein heifers in a rear-ing pasture. The experimental heifers were administered the powdered probiotics daily for two weeks before pasturage, and the paste probiotics on the first day of pasturage and two weeks later. Serum α1-acid glycopro-tein and sialic acid in the experimental heifers were significantly lower than in the controls at one month of pas-turage. Leukocyte values in the experimental heifers showed no variation, while decreased at two weeks of pas-turage in the controls. At two months of pasturage glucose was significantly lower in both groups than the pre-pasturage level. Serum non-esterified fatty acid was significantly lower in the experimental heifers at one and two months of pasturage. Daily weight gain between the first day and one month of pasturage was signifi-cantly greater in the experimental heifers than in the controls. Average body weight of the experimental heifers on the first day of pasturage was lower than the standard value of Japan, increasing to the standard by the completion of pasturage.