A total of 99 pregnant cows were dividided into eight groups and submitted to the following treatments: group I (n = 29) non vaccinated cows whose calves did not receive probiotic and was used as control; group II (n<FONT FACE="Symbol" > or = </FONT> 10) vaccinated cows whose calves did not receive a probiotic; groups III, IV and V (n<FONT FACE="Symbol" > or = </FONT> 10 each) vaccinated cows whose calves received a probiotic for 5, 15 and 30 days, respectively; groups VI, VII and VIII (n<FONT FACE="Symbol" > or = </FONT> 10 each) non vaccinated cows whose calves received a probiotic for 5, 15 and 30 days, respectively. Each animal in the vaccinated groups received two vaccine doses, subcutaneously, containing pili K99 and A14 of Escherichia coli. The probiotic containing Ruminobacter amylophilum, Ruminobacter succinogenes, Succinovibrio dextrinosolvens, Bacillus cereus, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Streptococcus faecium at the dose of 3.0× 10(8) live cells (CFU) of each sample resuspended in 250ml of milk, was administered orally. All animals were observed clinically and bacteriologically and anti-K99 and anti-A14 antibody titers were determined in serum and colostrum. Mean calf weight was mensured at birth and at 30 days of age. The results showed that the combination of vaccine with the probiotic administered for 15 and 30 days were the most efficient treatments for the control of diarrhea and weight gain.
Bovine; Escherichia coli; probiotic; diarrhea
