Manage gut pathogens to prevent respiratory disease

The Gut-Lung Link

With the cold of winter coming, barns are being closed, calves are shut inside, and respiratory issues are clouding calves’ futures.

Preventing respiratory illness starts with managing gut health. The gut is the body’s main regulator of the immune system, influencing overall health. When the gut becomes damaged, it can drive inflammation throughout the body – including in the lungs. It is well-documented that calves with digestive upsets early in life are more likely to experience respiratory events later.

Environmental pathogens like Clostridia, E. coli, and Salmonella are primary drivers of digestive upset in calves. These pathogens damage the gut lining, produce toxins, and infiltrate the body leading to long-term injury. Protecting calves from these pathogens ensures they live long, healthy lives and safeguards your investment in the herd.

Probiotics are an effective tool to support calves dealing with digestive upset by healing the gut, inhibiting pathogens, and restoring a healthy microbiome. Restoring gut health with probiotics reduces systemic inflammation and as a result respiratory disease.

BaciFlex®-Calf is the only probiotic with highly selected strains that facilitates comprehensive pathogen control to support health and immune function. Research on BaciFlex-Calf demonstrates how supporting a healthy gut translates to reductions in respiratory illness.

In a trial with 717 calves, respiratory events decreased by 45%, going from 14.5% in control to 8% with BaciFlex-Calf. This allowed calves to meet DCHA Gold Standards for preweaning respiratory events.

Although feeding probiotics is critical, management practices should not be overlooked. In winter months, air quality can be maintained through adequate ventilation and regularly changing bedding to reduce ammonia levels.

To learn more about how Papillon can help your calves overcome pathogen challenges, visit Papillon-ag.com.