Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
Department of Animal and Poultry nutrition, Animal Science Faculty, Gorgan University of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources, Gorgan
2
Department of Animal and Poultry nutrition, Animal Science Faculty, Gorgan University of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran.
3
Department of Animal and Poultry nutrition, Animal Science Faculty, Gorgan University of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran
4
Department of Animal Science and Food Industry, Animal Science Faculty, Khuzestan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Mullasani, Iran
10.22059/ijas.2025.397921.654087
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of using fat powder and Lipidol, a lysophospholipid-based feed additive, on growth indices, feeding behavior, digestibility, and blood metabolism in suckling Holstein calves. For this purpose, 36 male Holstein calves with a mean weight of 38.3 ± 0.6 kg were assigned to four groups in a completely randomized 2×2 factorial design: 1) basal diet containing 0.15% Lipidol without fat powder, 2) basal diet containing 0.3% Lipidol without fat powder, 3) basal diet containing 0.15% Lipidol and 3.0 % fat powder, and 4) basal diet containing 0.3 % Lipidol and 3.0 % fat powder. The experimental period continued until the calves reached 67 days of age. Growth indices, feed consumption, skeletal growth, feeding behaviors (eating, rumination, chewing, and resting time), apparent digestion coefficients, and blood metabolites (glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, and albumin) were measured. The results showed that calves receiving the combination of Lipidol and fat powder exhibited the highest daily growth, increased dry matter intake, and relative improvement in skeletal growth . Additionally, eating and chewing time were reduced, while resting time increased, suggesting enhanced feeding efficiency and improved satiety. The concentration of triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood significantly increasedin the groups receiving Lipidol, whereas glucose, total protein, and albumin levels did not show significant differences. In conclusion, adding fat powder and Lipidol to the diet of suckling calves can improve growth and metabolic status by enhancing fat digestibility, nutrient absorption, and altering feeding behaviors.
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