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Related Experiment Videos

Lactoferrin supplementation to dairy calves.

R S Joslin1, P S Erickson, H M Santoro

  • 1Department of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham 03824, USA.

Journal of Dairy Science
|June 28, 2002
PubMed
Summary

Supplementing calf diets with lactoferrin (LF) improved calf weight gain and feed intake. Calves fed LF reached weaning criteria at a younger age, indicating enhanced overall performance.

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Area of Science:

  • Animal Science
  • Dairy Science
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Early life nutrition is critical for calf development and health.
  • Lactoferrin, an iron-binding glycoprotein, possesses antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties.
  • Investigating novel feed supplements to improve calf performance is essential for the dairy industry.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effects of supplemental lactoferrin on Holstein calf growth and performance.
  • To determine optimal dosage of lactoferrin for calf diets.
  • To assess the impact of lactoferrin on preweaning growth metrics and feed intake.

Main Methods:

  • Twenty-one Holstein calves were assigned to three treatment groups receiving 0, 1, or 10 g/d of lactoferrin.
  • Lactoferrin was supplemented in colostrum, milk, and milk replacer over a 56-day study period.

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  • Growth parameters including weight gain, heart girth, feed intake, and age at weaning were monitored.

    • Main Results:

    • Calves supplemented with lactoferrin exhibited significantly greater body weight from week 2 to week 6 compared to controls.
    • Preweaning average daily weight gain and heart girth gains were increased in calves fed lactoferrin.
    • Calves receiving 1 g/d of lactoferrin showed higher average daily gains than those fed 10 g/d, suggesting a potential dose-dependent effect.
    • Lactoferrin supplementation led to increased calf starter grain consumption and earlier achievement of weaning criteria.
    • Hematocrit and serum iron levels remained unaffected by lactoferrin treatments.

    Conclusions:

    • Supplemental lactoferrin positively impacts Holstein calf performance, including weight gain and feed intake.
    • Lactoferrin supplementation can lead to earlier weaning by improving starter intake and growth rates.
    • Further research may elucidate optimal lactoferrin dosages and long-term effects on calf health and productivity.