Effect of fermented seaweed by-product supplementation on reproduction of Hanwoo cows and growth and immunity of their calves

Abstract

The study was conducted to evaluate the supplementation of fermented seaweed (Undaria pinnatifida) by-product (FSB) on colostrum composition and immunoglobulin level in breeding Hanwoo cows and growth and immunity of their suckling calves. A total of 32 breeding Hanwoo cows with different parities were assigned to Control (basal diet) and FSB (basal diet + 10% FSB) dietary groups in a randomised block design for 2 months before parturition until weaning of their calves. Calves with FSB supplementation had greater weaning weight and average daily gain (P < 0.05). Dietary FSB supplementation increased calf serum immunoglobulin G level in the first parity (P < 0.05), whereas it was reduced in the second to fourth parities on Days 15 and 45. The immunoglobulin M level increased on Day 15 in the first parity and on Day 45 in the second to fourth parities (P < 0.05), whereas it decreased on Day 45 in the first parity (P < 0.05). Dietary FSB supplementation also elevated moisture, crude fat and crude protein content whereas it reduced the total solids content in colostrum for both parities (P < 0.05). Colostrum immunoglobulin G level was also increased in the first parity, whereas it was reduced in the second to fourth parities in FSB supplementation (P < 0.05). Overall, dietary FSB supplementation increased suckling calves weaning weight, average daily gain, serum immunoglobulin G level and colostrum immunoglobulin G level in the first parity. Moreover, moisture, crude fat and crude protein content of colostrum were elevated significantly in both parities in breeding Hanwoo cows. Therefore, FSB can be used as a functional feed additive to the basal diet in breeding Hanwoo cows.