Influence of the latest symbiotics on the health and productivity of dairy cattle, reduction of antibiotic consumption and increase of farm competitiveness (SIMB)

Promote knowledge transfer and innovation in dairy farming, increase the viability and competitiveness of dairy farming in the regions, reduce the use of antibiotics and ensure animal health by providing the latest symbiotics to dairy cows and calves.

The aim of the activity is to provide farmers with advanced research-based technologies through production demonstration trials in order to reduce the use of antibiotics on farms, increase productivity, strengthen the immune system in animals, raise healthy and productive offsprings and reduce economic losses.

Intensive, abundant and frequent unreasonable use of antibiotics on farms develops more resistant pathogens and reduces the effects of drugs, leading to recurrence of a disease and increased doses. In order to reduce the use of antibiotics on farms, more advanced treatment and prevention measures are needed to reduce the number of diseases and, if necessary, the use of antibiotics. One measure would be the use of symbiotics. Symbiotics (probiotics in combination with prebiotics) have a positive effect on both the digestive and immune systems and are therefore of great importance for the health and productivity of cattle. Once in the gastrointestinal tract, they kill pathogenic microorganisms, neutralize and compensate for the activity of impaired organs, stimulate tissue regeneration processes and the immune system. During the project, the administration of symbiotics to dairy cows and calves, based on research and trials, will improve animal health, milk quality, reproductive quality of offsprings, reduce the use of antibiotics, as well as intestinal methane (CH4) during fermentation, effectively reduce undesirable odours, improve manure consistency and barn microclimate. Thus, a number of factors contributing to the reduction of GHG emissions, the economy competitiveness and the increase of economic efficiency will be implemented.

Host institution Lithuanian agricultural advisory service
[email protected]

Instrument Lithuanian Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, Measure “Knowledge Transfer and Information Activities”, Activity Area “Support for Demonstration Projects and Information Activities”
Project start: 2018-12-10
Project end: 2021-01-30