Our study showed that veal calves upper gastrointestinal tract microbiota can hydrolyse scFOS and that volatile fatty acids,
lactic acid and gas are produced during fermentation. ScFOS enhanced ileal microbial ecology by increasing populations of
bacteria, such as lactic acid utilizing bacteria, lactobacilli and streptococci. However, this study did not show any clear
response of scFOS fermentation on concentrations of C. perfringens in veal calf ileal effluent.
ScFOS addition shows promise in young calves as a way to stabilize digestive host flora during the stressful period of
weaning. To improve scFOS supplementation effectiveness, further experimentation is required, such as a combination of in
vitro and in vivo studies involving both expertise in animal nutrition, as well as assessment of the composition and activity
of a broader array of bacterial species throughout the gastrointestinal tract.