Direct-fed microbials (DFM), such as Bacillus spp., can enhance digestion and support the immune function of cattle. Nutritional management of beef cows during gestation and early lactation may enhance future offspring performance by multiple mechanisms, including modifying maternal and offspring blood metabolites. Hence, the present study focused on the supplementation of a Bacillus-based DFM for beef heifers during late gestation and early lactation and the impacts on both maternal and offspring plasma concentrations of metabolites. Heifers offered a Bacillus-based DFM had upregulated pathways related to lipid and amino acid metabolism before calving. Maternal supplementation of Bacillus-DFM impacted the calf metabolome differently before, during, and after the inflammatory response. Calves born from Bacillus-fed heifers exhibited a modified methionine metabolism before vaccination and upregulation of pathways associated with immune response after vaccination.

Read the full article in the Journal of Animal Science.