Scilight Press

The aim of the research was to study the use of fir tree extract (Pikhteks) in calves from 14 to 28 days of age for prevention of gastrointestinal tract diseases. The studies were carried out for 14 days. The results showed that the introduction of Pichteks into the diet of calves did not negatively affect the physiological state of the animals. Appetite was preserved, body temperature, respiratory rate and heart rate remained within the physiological norm for the entire period of the experiment. Hematological studies showed no changes in the direction of pathology in the calves of the experimental group, so the number of erythrocytes ranged from 7.7±0.38 to 8.33±0.20 10¹²/l; leukocytes from 9.31±0.12 to 8.17±0.38 10⁹/l and hemoglobin from 110.33±4.97 to 111.3±1.88 g/l. A slight increase in these indicators corresponded to the age of the calves. In biochemical blood tests and in the leukocyte formula, there was no significant difference in the indicators. However, in the control group on the 3rd day of the study (age 17 days) two calves fell ill with dyspepsia. The disease was difficult and one calf died. In the experimental group, the survival rate of calves was 100%.