Vet Anim Sci. 2026 Jun 9;34:100732. doi: 10.1016/j.vas.2026.100732. eCollection 2026 Dec.
ABSTRACT
Phytogenics are emerging as an alternative approach to maintain animal health and productivity without using antibiotics in the livestock industry. This study investigated the function and mechanism of a phytogenic formulation composed of Bidens pilosa extract and bentonite (BPB) on diarrhea, gut microbiota and growth performance in calves. Twenty-six 15-day-old Holstein Friesian calves were fed control or 0.5% BPB diets for 4 weeks. Their diarrhea, gut microbiota, fecal IgA, and bacterial growth were analyzed using culture-based methods, 16S rRNA sequencing, and statistical analyses. BPB (0.5%) significantly reduced diarrhea, fecal scores, and fecal IgA levels, but increased body weight in calves. Furthermore, metagenomic analysis and selective agar assays indicated that 0.5% BPB decreased three bacterial genera, Campylobacter, Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, and Escherichia/Shigella, but increased seven other bacterial genera, including Lactobacillus, Ruminococcus, and Bacteroides, in the feces of calves. Mechanistic studies suggested that BPB augmented the proliferation of bacteria associated with beneficial effects, subsequently inhibiting the growth of bacteria associated with harmful effects in the intestines of calves. In conclusion, BPB mitigated diarrhea and gut inflammation and increased body weight gain in calves by modulating the gut microbiota. This modulation involved the upregulation of bacteria with beneficial potential that antagonize the growth of bacteria with pathogenic potential.
PMID:42376617 | PMC:PMC13311206 | DOI:10.1016/j.vas.2026.100732
