ISSUE FOCUS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE November 2025 59 • Monitoring and growth tracking: Regular weight and health checks allow early detection of problems before they escalate (Figure 2). THE LINK BETWEEN THE MICROBIOME AND IMMUNITY The developing microbiome and the immune system are tightly linked. Microbes in the gut train the immune system to distinguish between harmful and beneficial organisms. When the microbiome is disrupted, this balance is lost, making calves more prone to infection. Supporting microbial development early in life therefore strengthens the animal’s ability to resist disease—not only in the first weeks but also throughout adulthood. TOWARDS HEALTHIER, MORE RESILIENT CALVES By focusing on microbiome-friendly management from birth, producers can reduce disease incidence, antibiotic dependence, and economic losses. The insights gained from HoloRuminant research help bridge scientific understanding with practical recommendations for on-farm use. Healthy microbiome development is not a luxury—it is a cornerstone of sustainable dairy production. Supporting it means healthier calves, stronger immune systems, and improved lifetime productivity. The HoloRuminant project has received funding from European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under Grant Agreement No 101000213. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and not the European Commission (EC). The EC is not liable for any use that may be made of them information contained herein. About Sabine Scully The Teagasc Walsh Scholar and University College Dublin PhD student in HoloRuminant WP3, Sabine Scully investigates how diarrhoea and bovine respiratory disease affect calf microbiomes. Her past roles include Animal Science Educator at Cornell Cooperative Extension; MSc in Lille (Junia-ISA) on pasture feed-efficiency sensors; BSc Virginia Tech in Animal Science and International agriculture. About Geena Cartick The Breeding & Genetics Advisor of EFFAB, Geena Cartick co-authored the 7th Code EFABAR, leads WP6 in HoloRuminant, and supports EU research knowledge exchange. Her background spans EMABG (BOKU), GENOSTAR (Fleckvieh sperm phenomics), LIVINfarm (insect breeding), and Avipro/Eclosia (broiler operations). To Support Microbiome Development Before Scour Occurs: Immediately After Birth First Hours to Day 1 Day 2 to 4+ Feed Transition Milk Throughout Early Life Milk Feeding Period Daily Growth Monitoring Feed highquality colostrum: • As much as possible, as soon as possible after calving Continue feeding colostrum beyond the first meal: • Supports passive immunity development Use nonsaleable milk from the 2nd to 8th milking: • Avoid waste milk or milk with antibiotic residues Use antibiotics only when necessary: • Always follow your vet’s advice • Overuse can destroy beneficial gut baceria Feed highquality whole milk or milk replacer: • If using replacer, ensure all ingredients are dairybased Never underfeed your calves: • Ensure adequate milk volume to meet their growth needs Figure 2
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