Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 17, 2026

Protocol for Assessing the Relative Effects of Environment and Genetics on Antler and Body Growth for a Long-lived Cervid
Published on: August 8, 2017
Nutritional Modulation of Metabolic-Endocrine Integration and Growth Performance in Tropical Dairy Heifers
Andi Mushawwir1, Ujang Hidayat Tanuwiria1, Iin Susilawati1
1Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jl. Ir. Soekarno KM 21, Sumedang 45363, West Java, Indonesia.
Abstract:
This study evaluated short-term haematological, metabolic, endocrine, and growth responses to calcium-protected oil and cornmeal in tropical dairy heifers. We allocated 128 heifers to four dietary treatments (32 heifers per treatment): R1, 60% roughage + 40% concentrate; R2, R1 with 4% Ca-oil; R3, R1 with 4% cornmeal; and R4, R1 with 2% Ca-oil + 2% cornmeal. We assessed blood biomarkers at two monthly sampling points and analysed weekly growth longitudinally. We detected treatment differences in erythrocytes, haemoglobin, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW-CV, eosinophils, HDL cholesterol, total protein, and albumin (p < 0.05). We found no statistically detectable treatment effects for most leukocyte indices, energy metabolites, reproductive hormones, growth-related hormones, or cortisol. Body measurements increased over time (p < 0.001), and we detected a treatment × week interaction only for body length (p = 0.014). The combined diet was associated with the highest values for several erythrocyte and protein variables, but the design does not distinguish synergy from additive or dose effects. These results should therefore be interpreted as short-term associations requiring confirmation through fully specified repeated-measures analyses and longer-term functional outcomes.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Regulation of Food Intake
Hormonal Regulation
Hormonal Regulation
Regulation of Metabolism
Key Elements for Plant Nutrition
Regulation of Hormone Secretion
Humoral stimuli,...

