Improving feed efficiency and performance is a crucial goal for beef producers. As costs rise and the pressure to maximize output intensifies, solutions to enhance diet utilization are increasingly sought after. Historically, gut health in beef cattle has not been a major concern. However, recent research indicates that significant gains in performance can be achieved in cattle through targeted supplementation at the hindgut level^1,2,3,4. Selko LactiBute improves hindgut health of beef feedlot cattle, resulting in an improvement of general health, feed efficiency and average daily gain.

Selko LactiBute is a novel patented prebiotic designed to improve hindgut health in cattle. It is based on calcium gluconate, protected by a fat matrix to ensure it reaches the hindgut intact. Once there, it is fermented by lactic acid bacteria to produce acetic and lactic acid, which are further utilized by other bacteria to produce butyrate. Butyrate is crucial for maintaining gut health due to its anti-inflammatory properties and its role in repairing gut lining damage caused by high-starch diets. As a result, nutrient uptake and feed efficiency improve, resulting in a higher average daily gain^2,3.

Many beef production systems rely on high-grain, high-starch diets to maximize growth rates. However, these diets can negatively impact fermentation processes within the hindgut. Symptoms typically attributed to sub-acute ruminal acidosis (SARA), such as loose and frothy faeces with mucin casts, are actually signs of hindgut acidosis¹. Excess acid production leads to a condition known as "leaky gut," which results in reduced nutrient absorption and triggers an inflammatory response due to the leakage of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into the bloodstream⁸. Research demonstrates that even moderate levels of starch can decrease pH and increase inflammatory LPS levels, highlighting the potential for significant impacts on modern beef finishing systems.

Trial 1: Impact of Selko LactiBute on volatile fatty acid production of beef cattle

A trial conducted by Dr. Todd Callaway at the University of Georgia evaluated the impact of Selko LactiBute on the volatile fatty acid (VFA) profile in the hindgut⁴.

Materials and Methods

Two groups of 10 steers each were used, with one group fed Selko LactiBute and the other serving as controls. Tissue and digesta samples were collected from various digestive tract sections, and VFA levels were measured.

Results

The trial showed that Selko LactiBute increased acetate and propionate levels in the cecum, colon, and rectum, and butyrate levels in the colon of beef cattle⁴ (see Table 1).

A second trial in Spain tested the efficacy of Selko LactiBute on performance in finishing beef fed a high-starch diet².

Trial 2, Materials and Methods

The trial involved 120 beef cattle divided into control and experimental groups. Selko LactiBute was fed for 43 days during the 111-day fattening period. Measurements included faecal starch, faecal pH, and growth rates.

Trial 2, Results

Selko LactiBute reduced faecal starch levels from 19.7% to 15.6% and increased faecal pH from 5.8 to 6.2. ADG increased by 8% (94 grams/day) in females (see Figure 1) and 7% (95 grams/day) in males² (see Figure 2).

Trial 3: Impact on ADG and Health

A more recent trial by Professor Rossi from Milan University examined the effects of Selko LactiBute on performance and health over 186 days³.

Trial 3, Materials and Methods

The study included 240 Charolais calves divided into two groups, both fed a high-starch diet with one group receiving Selko LactiBute.

Trial 3, Results

Selko LactiBute improved ADG, feed conversion rate (FCR), and hot carcass weight. Additionally, there was a significant reduction in lameness among the treated group³.

To maximize performance and diet utilization, beef producers must focus on improving hindgut health. High-starch diets, while effective for growth, can be optimized with targeted supplements like Selko LactiBute. This prebiotic reduces hindgut health issues^1,5,6,7, enhances ADG^2,3, and improves overall cattle health³, supporting sustainable and efficient beef production.

1. Sanz-Fernandez, M.V, Daniel, J, Seymour, D.J, Kvidera, S.K, Bester, Z, Doelman, J. and J. Martín-Tereso (2020). Targeting the Hindgut to Improve Health and Performance in Cattle, Animals, 10: 1817.

2. Santos, A, Bergman, J.G.H.E, Manzano, J.A. and M. Hall (2023). Rumen protected calcium gluconate increases average daily gain of beef. Proceedings of the EAAP congress, Lyon, August 27-September 1, 562.

3. Rossi, C.A.S, Grossi, S, van Kuijk, S and S. Vandoni (2024). Effect of the administration of a protected source of calcium gluconate on growth, feed efficiency, nutrient digestibility, and health in beef cattle. Proceedings of the ASAS, Calgary, July 21-25.

4. Osman, Y., Koyun, E., Rowland, J., Lourenco, J., Baloyi, F.L., Fluharty, F., Pringle, T.D., Stewart, R.L., McCarthy, K., Griswold, K.E., and T.R. Callaway (2022). Impact of calcium gluconate feeding on intestinal microbial populations in a growing steer model. University of Georgia. Osman, Y., PhD Thesis.

5. Watanabe, D.H.M, Doelman, J, Steele, M.A, Guan, L. and G. B. Penner (2020). Evaluating the effect of Ca-gluconate and Ca-butyrate on SCFA absorption and permeability of the gastrointestinal tract. J. Anim. Sci Vol. 97, Suppl. S3.

6. Watanabe, D.H.M, Doelman, J, Steele, M.A, and G. B. Penner (2018). Effect of rumen protected Ca-gluconate on the performance, gastrointestinal tract development, digesta composition and total tract digestibility of lambs. J. Anim. Sci Vol. 96, Suppl. S3.