Autochthonous Limosilactobacillus reuteri BFE7 and Ligilactobacillus salivarius BF17 probiotics consortium supplementation improves performance, immunity, and selected gut health indices in Murrah buffalo calves

Probiotics have emerged as biotherapeutic adjuncts to combat neonatal calf gastrointestinal disorders. Therefore, they are considered a suitable alternative to antibiotics for maintaining a healthy and balanced gut microbiota. Hence, the current investigation was carried out to evaluate the effect of autochthonous probiotics on Murrah buffalo calves. Sixteen calves (5-7 days of age) were randomly divided into four groups. Group I served as control (CT), fed a basal diet with no supplementation. Groups II (LR), III (LS), and IV (CS) were supplemented with Limosilactobacillus reuteri BF-E7, Ligilactobacillus salivarius BF-17, and a consortium of both probiotic strains at a rate of 1x10(8) CFU/g/calf per day along with the basal diet, respectively. Two previously isolated potential probiotic strains, Limosilactobacillus reuteri BF-E7 and Ligilactobacillus salivarius BF-17, were found to be compatible in vitro. Dietary supplementation of probiotics for sixty days significantly increased (P<0.05) dry matter intake (DMI, g/d), average daily gain (ADG, g/d), net body weight gain (kg), feed conversion efficiency (FCE), and structural growth measurements as compared to control. Furthermore, a considerable (P<0.05) increase in the abundance of beneficial intestinal microbiota (lactobacilli and bifidobacteria) was observed along with improvement in fecal biomarkers like lactate and ammonia, immune status, and reduced fecal score. Upon comparative analysis among treatment groups, the results were found to be better in the probiotic consortium fed group compared to the LR and LS treated groups. The present findings conclusively deduced that autochthonous probiotic consortium might serve as potential candidate for fostering performance, immunity, and gut health biomarkers in Murrah buffalo calves.