ARS | Publication request: Effect of growth-rate on fat-soluble vitamin, copper and zinc concentrations in the circulation of neonatal calves

Submitted to: American Dairy Science Association Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: March 8, 2007
Publication Date: July 8, 2007
Citation: Nonnecke, B.J., Foote, M.R., Horst, R.L., Waters, W.R., Miller, B.L., Johnson, T.E., Fowler, M. 2007. Effect of growth-rate on fat-soluble vitamin, copper and zinc concentrations in the circulation of neonatal calves [abstract]. 2007 Joint Meeting-American Dairy Science Association, Poultry Science Association, Asociacion Mexicana de Produccion Animal, American Society of Animal Sciences. p. 358.

Technical Abstract: Effects of three, targeted growth rates on plasma concentrations of fat-soluble vitamins and minerals in preruminant calves were evaluated. Calves (9 +/- 2 days of age) were assigned randomly to treatments designed to achieve three targeted rates of gain [No-Growth (NG) = 0.0 kg/d; Low-Growth (LG) = 0.55 kg/d; or High-Growth (HG) = 1.2 kg/d] over an 8-week period. Milk replacer intakes needed to achieve specified growth rates were estimated using the NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle calf model computer program. Calves were fed a 30% CP, 20% fat, MR reconstituted to 14% DM. Diets were formulated so that protein was not limiting. Because vitamin concentrations in the MR were based on DM intake of HG calves, NG and LG calves were supplemented with additional vitamins once weekly to compensate for reduced MR consumption. Growth rates for NG (0.11 kg/d), LG (0.58 kg/d), and HG (1.16 kg/d) calves differed throughout the study. Although vitamin A and D, and zinc concentrations were unaffected (P > .05) by growth rate, vitamin D concentrations increased (P < .05) and zinc concentrations decreased (P < .05) with time. Throughout the study these concentrations remained within normal ranges for the preruminant calf. Vitamin E and copper were affected by growth rate. At week 8, HG calves had lower (P < .05) vitamin E concentrations than LG and NG calves. Copper concentrations were greater (P < .05) for HG calves than LG and NG calves from week 4 to week 7. Vitamin E was unaffected by age (P = .12); whereas, copper decreased (P < .05) with age. Concentration ranges for both variables were within ranges considered normal for neonatal calves. Results suggest that growth rate during the neonatal period may influence vitamin E and Cu availability, with vitamin E playing a pivotal role as lipid-phase antioxidant and the latter as a trace element intimately associated a number proteins, including essential enzymes.