Effects of oral or parenteral iron supplementation on haematological parameters, blood iron status and growth in newborn calves fed milk replacer

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to assess the influence of early life iron supplementation on the haematological parameters of calves fed milk replacer on a high plane of nutrition.MethodsThirty calves were allocated to receive either a sham treatment (CON), injection of 1000 mg Fe3+ (INJ) or oral administration of 1050 mg Fe3+ (ORAL), all administered less than 1 hour after birth. Blood was obtained before treatment, on days 1, 3, 5 and 7 of life and once weekly until week 9. Samples were analysed for haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV) and estimated transferrin saturation (%TSAT).ResultsThe Hb and PCV of calves in the INJ and ORAL groups were above the values of those in the CON group throughout the study. Hb and PCV of the CON group remained within the reference range for calves. The %TSAT exceeded reported ranges in the ORAL group in the first week. Values for the CON group were below the INJ and ORAL groups throughout the entire study. Average daily gain did not differ between treatments.LimitationsThe sample size was insufficient to assess the influence of iron supplementation on disease development. Furthermore, the study was set in a controlled environment and not performed under field conditions.ConclusionsOral and subcutaneous iron administration had similar effects on haematological development but resulted in numerically different transferrin saturation. Control animals showed lower Hb and PCV but did not develop overt anaemia.