Document Type : Research Paper
Extended Abstract
Introduction
Successful rearing of pre-weaning calves plays a crucial role in ensuring long-term health and productivity in adult cattle. During this critical developmental period, high-quality and digestible nutrition is essential. However, young calves typically have limited ability to synthesize sufficient phospholipids, which are vital for cellular function and nutrient absorption. Supplementing the diet with phospholipids and emulsifiers can enhance nutrient utilization, reduce mortality, and support growth.
Fat digestion in calves is limited due to immature bile and enzyme secretion, making dietary fat emulsification necessary for effective digestion and absorption. Lysophospholipids, derived from phospholipid hydrolysis, can improve nutrient transport by modifying membrane fluidity and permeability. These compounds, when used as feed additives, have shown potential to enhance intestinal morphology, energy retention, and overall nutrient absorption.
Fat-rich diets also support liver function, improve feed efficiency, and increase energy density. Moreover, combining fat powders with emulsifiers like Lipidol, a lysophospholipid-based product, can improve the digestion of both lipids and amino acids, influence rumen microbial composition, and boost volatile fatty acid production. Recent studies have highlighted the benefits of essential fatty acids on calf growth, immune function, and gut health, but there is still limited data on the use of Lipidol and fat powder in milk for calves. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of milk enriched with Lipidol and fat powder on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, feeding behavior, and blood parameters in Holstein pre-weaning calves.
Materials and Methods
This study was conducted in Yazd Province using 36 Holstein calves with an average body weight of 38.3 ± 0.6 kg. Calves were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups (9 calves per group) and housed individually until 67 days of age. The experiment followed a 2×2 factorial design, with two levels of dietary fat (with 3.0 % or without fat powder) and two levels of Lipidol supplement (0.15% and 0.3%). The four groups were: 0.15% Lipidol without fat powder, 0.3% Lipidol without fat powder, 0.15% Lipidol + 3.0 % fat powder and 0.3 % Lipidol + 3.0 % fat powder. Calves were weighed at the start and every 30 days before milk feeding. Feed intake was measured daily by recording the weight of feed offered and feed refused. Also Body measurements, Blood samples (to measure glucose, total protein, albumin, and blood urea nitrogen), Feeding behaviors (rumination, chewing, eating, resting, and abnormal oral behaviors) Fecal samples (to determine the digestibility) were measured. All data were analyzed using SAS 9.1.4 in a completely randomized factorial design. Mean comparisons were performed using Duncan’s multiple range test at a 5% significance level.
Results
Results showed no significant differences in initial weight, weight at 30 days, weight gain, total feed intake, or feed conversion ratio across treatments. However, calves receiving both Lipidol and fat powder had significantly higher feed intake between days 30–60 and greater weaning weights. These groups were also weaned later, likely due to improved digestibility or increased solid feed intake. Body measurements such as pelvic width, wither height, and body length at weaning were significantly higher in treatments with fat powder, while chest and body depth remained unaffected (P<0.01). Digestibility of nutrients, including dry matter, organic matter, crude fat, protein, and NDF, was significantly enhanced, particularly in treatment 4 (0.3% Lipidol + 3.0 % fat powder), which consistently showed the highest digestibility values. Feeding behavior was also influenced: treatment 0.3 % Lipidol without fat powder calves spent more time eating and chewing, while treatment 0.15 % Lipidol only calves spent the most time resting (P<0.01). Blood analysis revealed higher glucose levels in treatment 1 and the highest cholesterol in treatment 3, with no significant differences in triglycerides, total protein, or albumin, though treatment 4 (0.3 lipidol+ 3.0 fat powder) had slightly elevated protein levels (P<0.01). Overall, the combination of Lipidol and fat powder improved nutrient digestibility, growth traits, and feeding behavior in suckling calves.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that supplementing suckling calves’ diets with 0.3% Lipidol and 3.0% fat powder improves growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and certain physical traits. The combination likely enhanced digestion by stimulating bile secretion and emulsification processes, thereby increasing the surface area for lipase activity and improving absorption of fatty acids and fat-soluble nutrients. Additionally, fat supplementation may have slowed ruminal passage rate, improving feed utilization and stabilizing energy supply. These effects not only supported better body development at weaning but also modulated feeding behavior by promoting satiety and reducing stress-related competition at the feeder, contributing to improved animal welfare. Overall, this dietary strategy is effective for improving growth and efficiency in young calves, though further research is needed to evaluate its long-term metabolic and developmental impacts.
All authors contributed equally to the conceptualization of the article and writing of the original and subsequent drafts.
Data available on request from the authors.
The authors would like to thank Vice president for Research and Technology of Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and also Kimia danesh alvand compony.
The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. The authors avoided data fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, and misconduct.
The author declares no conflict of interest.
