Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
PhD student in animal nutrition, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Lorestan University, Khoramabad, Iran
2
Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Lorestan University, Khoramabad, Iran
3
Animal Science Research Department, Isfahan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Isfahan, Iran
4
Assistant Prof, Animal Science Research Department, Isfahan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Areeo, 8174835117, Isfahan, Iran
10.22059/ijas.2024.374879.654022
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the interaction effects of different weaning methods and vitamin C supplementation on the performance, skeletal development, and blood parameters of suckling Holstein calves. A total of 64 Holstein calves (32 males and 32 females) were randomly allocated to four treatment groups with 16 replicates each, following a completely randomized design.The experimental treatments were: (1) complete weaning from day 80 without vitamin C supplementation, (2) complete weaning from day 80 with the administration of 2500 mg effervescent vitamin C tablets every four days from birth to weaning, (3) gradual weaning from day 73 to day 80 without vitamin C supplementation, and (4) gradual weaning from day 73 to day 80 with the administration of 2500 mg effervescent vitamin C tablets every four days from birth to weaning. At two months of age and at the end of the experiment, the calves that were suddenly weaned and received vitamin C showed greater body weight. However, no significant differences were observed among the experimental treatments concerning body length and hip width during the post-weaning period. The lowest concentrations of cholesterol and triglycerides, both before and after weaning, were observed in treatment 3 (P<0.05). After weaning, the highest total antioxidant capacity was found in treatment 4, while the lowest concentration of malondialdehyde was recorded in treatment 3 (P<0.05). In conclusion, sudden weaning combined with vitamin C supplementation improved average body weight, feed intake, and blood parameters in calves.
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