Nutrient intake and blood profile of Nellore calves supplemented with cellulolytic fungi from rumen

This study evaluates the effects of cellulolytic fungi from rumen on the nutrient intake and blood profile of Nellore calves. A diet was formulated with 56.79% lignified hay of Urochloa brizantha and 43.21% of concentrate. Sixteen Nellore calves were evaluated in completely randomized blocks using two calf groups: four males and four females. The first group was supplemented with a culture medium containing a mixture of Aspergillus terreus (VN 15 isolate) and Trichoderma longibrachiatum (VN 20 isolate). The second group received the sterile culture medium only. Ether extract ingestion was higher in the control calves; however, the supplemented calves showed a tendency to improve feed efficiency. No significant differences were detected in the blood profiles or serum biochemistry between the calf groups. Further research analyzing different dosages, adjusting the diet protein levels, and increasing the proportion of roughage could better elucidate the interference of these fungi on the performance and blood parameters of weaned Nellore calves. Highlights Nelore calves supplemented with cellulolytic fungi showed tendency of improved feed efficiency Non-supplemented calves improved ether extract ingestion. The control group did not present differences for blood and serum biochemistry profile.