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
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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