In Switzerland and Europe, respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases in relocated calves lead to high antibiotic usage, underscoring the necessity of alternative strategies. Alongside preventive measures, medicinal plants (MP) offer potential for prophylaxis and metaphylaxis due to their antiviral, antibacterial, immunomodulatory, and gut-supporting effects. However, research on medicinal plants in calves is scarce.
The Swiss team of the COST Action "MedPlants4Vet" is addressing this issue by conducting two randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled on-station trials on 21–28-day-old calves. First, phytochemical profiles of all MPs will be generated. In Trial 1, caraway, chamomile, and sage at two dosage levels will be administered orally for three weeks. The effects will be compared with a placebo and echinacea in 64 calves. Weekly data will be collected on health, performance, immune status, and antibiotic use. The most promising MP will then be tested in Trial 2 against a placebo and standard oral antibiotic therapy. Fecal microbiome and resistome analyses will be conducted. This approach aims to identify MP treatments that reduce diarrhea and respiratory disease, and to clarify the links between immune status, microbiota balance, and resistome development. Supported by an interdisciplinary expert team, this project is the first comprehensive study of the effects of MPs on the gut microbiota and resistome in pre-weaned calves.
Schweizerischer Nationalfonds (SNF), Schweiz
Project Manager
