A recent on-farm Irish trial has provided clear evidence that daily supplementation with Precision Microbes liquid probiotic and postbiotic, given at the daily 30 ml dose, can significantly improve calf performance and health outcomes during the critical neonatal period.
The trial measured several key health and performance indicators: average daily gain (ADG), antibiotic usage, diarrhoea incidence and severity, overall calf health, and faecal consistency. Across all metrics, calves receiving Precision Microbes at the recommended daily 30 ml dose consistently outperformed calves in the control group.
These results offer strong, real-world proof to farmers and vets that Precision Microbes delivers reliable, measurable improvements in calf rearing.
1. Increased Average Daily Gain (ADG)
Growth was one of the most notable improvements recorded in the trial. Calves receiving the daily 30 ml dose of Precision Microbes achieved higher ADG compared to unsupplemented calves, with gains becoming particularly pronounced in the latter half of the evaluation period.
Weekly weight measurements demonstrated a clear and consistent growth advantage, reflecting better digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall metabolic stability in the supplemented group
Why ADG improved
The daily 30 ml dose supports a healthier, more stable gut microbiome by:
- Enhancing nutrient absorption
- Reducing gut inflammation
- Improving feed conversion
- Providing greater digestive comfort
Because neonatal calves are especially sensitive to digestive disturbances, this supportive microbial environment directly translates into improved weight gain and more uniform group performance.
Figure 1: Average Daily Gain by Group (kg/day)
Precision Microbes offers a unique liquid probiotic and postbiotic solution specifically designed to stabilise gut flora and enhance digestive health in calves. The product acts rapidly, with postbiotic components working quickly to restore normal gut function. Its liquid formulation allows for easy administration, whether given orally or mixed with milk. It is also compatible with other treatments, making it safe to use alongside antibiotics and rehydration therapies. The dosing is flexible and can be tailored depending on the calf’s age and the severity of symptoms, making it a practical and effective tool for managing gut health during critical periods like weaning.
2. Reduction in Antibiotic Use
One of the most significant outcomes of the study was the marked reduction in antibiotic usage in calves receiving Precision Microbes. Those supplemented at the daily 30 ml dose required fewer antibiotic treatments, and their clinical signs were milder when treatment was necessary.
The control group experienced more frequent and more severe health challenges requiring antimicrobial intervention, reinforcing the protective effect of a stable gut microbiome.
Why this matters
Reduced antibiotic usage supports:
- Lower veterinary costs
- Increased labour efficiency
- Reduced setbacks in calf growth and immunity
- Compliance with Bord Bia, Red Tractor, and EU antimicrobial guidelines
- Long-term AMR reduction goals
Precision Microbes helps calves resist disease naturally, making it a valuable tool for responsible antibiotic stewardship.
Figure 2: Antibiotic Treatment Requirement (Number of Calves)
3. Reduced Diarrhoea Incidence and Severity
Diarrhoea remains the most common and costly health challenge in neonatal calves. In this trial, calves receiving the daily 30 ml dose of Precision Microbes experienced:
- Fewer diarrhoea events
- Milder clinical signs
- Faster recovery
The control calves showed more severe scour, accompanied by dehydration, reduced appetite, and slower recovery times, while the supplemented calves remained more resilient throughout the study period.
Why diarrhoea was reduced
Precision Microbes strengthens the gut environment through:
- Competitive exclusion of harmful bacteria
- Improved gut barrier integrity
- Stabilisation of gut pH
- Increased production of short-chain fatty acids
- Enhanced mucosal immunity
These combined actions reduce the risk and impact of neonatal digestive disease.
Figure 3: Diarrhoea Severity by Group
4. Improved Overall Calf Health and Appetite
In addition to measured performance outcomes, calves receiving the daily 30 ml dose showed noticeable improvements in overall appearance, behaviour, and appetite.
Consistent observational benefits included:
- Stronger, more regular appetite
- Better hydration
- Brighter demeanour
- More consistent milk and starter feed intake
- Reduced signs of digestive discomfort
These qualitative improvements closely aligned with the quantitative data, offering a fuller picture of how gut support enhances general calf vitality and resilience.
5. Improved Faecal Consistency
Faecal scoring throughout the trial showed firmer, more stable dung scores in calves supplemented with Precision Microbes at the daily 30 ml dose.
Differences between groups appeared early and remained consistent throughout the trial. The control group displayed looser, more variable faecal scores, while the treated group maintained healthier, more uniform dung consistency.
Why faecal consistency matters on farm
Improved faecal scores mean:
- Less digestive stress
- Lower disease pressure
- Reduced bedding contamination
- Cleaner calf sheds
- Fewer scours developing into clinical illness
Stable dung consistency is also strongly correlated with improved ADG and reduced antibiotic use—two of the standout outcomes in this study.
Figure 4: Weekly Average Faecal Scores (1 = firm, 5 = watery)
Conclusion: Strong Evidence Supporting Precision Microbes and the Daily 30 ml Dose in Calf Rearing
This independent Irish on-farm trial shows that Precision Microbes, given at the daily 30 ml dose, provides consistent, meaningful improvements across all major indicators of neonatal calf health.
Key proven outcomes of the daily 30 ml dose include:
- Higher average daily gain (ADG)
- Reduced reliance on antibiotics
- Fewer and less severe diarrhoea cases
- Improved overall health, appetite, and vitality
- Consistently firmer faecal scores
These results demonstrate that Precision Microbes is a reliable, research-backed tool for supporting calf health, improving performance, and reducing disease pressure during the most vulnerable stage of life.
Click here to download the full study.
A Note of Congratulations
A special acknowledgement must go to Michael O’Mahony, whose commitment, curiosity, and hard work made this trial possible. This study formed part of Michael’s Final Year Project, and he delivered it with exceptional professionalism—from designing the methodology to carrying out the on-farm work and completing a comprehensive analysis.
Well done, Michael, on producing a scientifically robust and highly valuable piece of research, and congratulations on reaching the final year of your agricultural studies. His work not only contributes to academic understanding but also provides meaningful, practical insights for farmers, vets, and the wider industry.
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