Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Department of Animal and Poultry Nutrition, Animal Science Faculty, Gorgan University of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran. E-mail: Alireza.alipour_s99@gau.ac.ir
2 Corresponding Author, Department of Animal and Poultry Nutrition, Animal Science Faculty, Gorgan University of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran. E-mail: Ghoorchi@gau.ac.ir
3 Department of Animal and Poultry Nutrition, Animal Science Faculty, Gorgan University of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran. E-mail: Toghdory@gau.ac.ir
4 Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Technology, Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan, Mollasani, Iran. E-mail: M.sari@asnrukh.ac.ir
Abstract
Objective: High incidences of diarrhea and pneumonia, along with suboptimal growth, remain major challenges in the calf-rearing industry, leading to increased treatment costs, elevated mortality rates, and reduced profitability. Considering the crucial role of dietary energy in supporting immune function, promoting growth performance, and maintaining liver health during the pre-weaning period, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of supplementing dairy calf diets with varying levels of Lipidol and fat powder on growth performance, hematological and hepatic biochemical parameters, vital signs, and the incidence of diarrhea and pneumonia. The ultimate objective was to identify an effective nutritional strategy to enhance performance and reduce disease occurrence in pre-weaned calves.
Method: In this study, thirty-six Holstein suckling calves (5 ± 2 days of age) were randomly allocated to four experimental treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement within a completely randomized design. The treatments consisted of a basal diet supplemented with either 0.15% or 0.30% Lipidol in combination with either 0% or 3% added fat powder. Body weight was recorded at the beginning and end of the experimental period, and daily dry matter intake was measured throughout the study. Physiological parameters, including respiratory rate, heart rate, and rectal temperature, were assessed at 30 and 60 days of age. Blood samples were collected at 08:00 h to evaluate hematological parameters (white blood cell count, red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit), liver enzyme activities (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase), and serum urea concentration. The incidence of common diseases, including diarrhea and pneumonia, was monitored throughout the rearing period and analyzed statistically using odds ratio estimates.
Results: The results demonstrated that supplementation with 0.15% Lipidol, either alone or in combination with 3% fat powder, significantly increased final body weight compared with the other treatments. In contrast, supplementation with 0.30% Lipidol did not produce a comparable effect. Growth performance parameters, including total weight gain, dry matter intake, and feed conversion ratio, were not significantly affected by treatment. Hematological variables did not differ significantly among experimental groups. However, calves receiving 0.30% Lipidol combined with 3% fat powder exhibited significantly higher (p < 0.05) aspartate aminotransferase activity and serum urea concentrations, suggesting a greater metabolic burden on the liver under this treatment. Physiological parameters, including respiratory rate, heart rate, and rectal temperature, remained within normal physiological ranges at both 30 and 60 days of age, with no significant differences observed among treatments.
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that dietary supplementation with 0.15% Lipidol enhances growth performance in suckling calves without inducing adverse physiological effects or increasing disease incidence. In contrast, the higher supplementation level (0.30%), particularly when combined with fat powder, was associated with elevated liver enzyme activity and serum urea concentrations, suggesting an increased hepatic metabolic load, likely related to intensified lipid metabolism.Hematological parameters and physiological indicators remained within normal ranges across all treatments, indicating no evidence of systemic stress or clinical disorders. Overall, these results suggest that supplementation with 0.15% Lipidol represents an optimal inclusion level for improving growth performance in suckling calves while minimizing potential metabolic risks.
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