A Meta-Analysis of Plant-Derived Essential Oil Supplementation in Pre-weaned Holstein Calves: Growth Performance, Fecal Score, Feed Efficiency, Immunity and Ruminal Parameters

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Veysel Fatih Özdemir 1
Kübra Ekinci 1
Memiş Özdemir 1
Carla Maris Machado Bittar 2
Gundula Hoffmann 3
1 Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Türkiye.
2 Department of Animal Science, “Luiz de Queiroz” College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba 13418-260, Brazil.
3 Department Sensors and Modelling, Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB), 14469 Potsdam, Germany.
Abstract
Antibiotics have long been used in livestock production for disease prevention, treatment, and growth promotion; however, their use has been increasingly restricted in many countries due to concerns regarding antimicrobial resistance and food safety. Consequently, interest has grown in natural feed additives such as essential oils (EOs), which are known for their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. The present study aimed to systematically evaluate the effects of EO supplementation on immunity, growth performance, fecal score, feed efficiency, and rumen fermentation parameters in pre-weaned dairy calves by conducting a comprehensive meta-analysis of available research findings. The results demonstrated that EO supplementation significantly increased average daily gain (ADG) (P < 0.05) in pre-weaned Holstein calves. Although feed efficiency and fecal scores were improved in EO-treated calves, neither difference reached statistical significance (P = 0.089 and P = 0.093, respectively). Importantly, EO administration markedly increased serum IgA (P < 0.05) and IgG concentrations (P < 0.001), indicating enhanced immune function. Body measurements remained unaffected by EO supplementation. Rumen fermentation parameters, including total volatile fatty acids, pH, acetate, butyrate, and propionate, showed no significant differences; however, ruminal ammonia-N concentration decreased significantly with EO use (P < 0.05). Overall, the findings suggest that EOs play a beneficial role in improving growth performance, enhancing protein utilization, reducing nitrogen waste, and strengthening immune responses in pre-weaned dairy calves, providing a promising natural alternative to antibiotics for early-life calf management.
Keywords
Essential oil
Immunity
Holstein calves
Meta-analysis
Rumen parameters
Subjects
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Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 18 October 2026