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Anaemia and veal calf production
The Veterinary Record
|September 11, 1976
Summary
This study found that 25-30 mg/kg of soluble iron in liquid diets is sufficient for veal calves. Reduced appetite in calves and sheep with induced anemia indicates iron deficiency is a sensitive early indicator.
Area of Science:
- Animal Nutrition
- Veterinary Medicine
- Meat Science
Background:
- Veal production relies on specific calf diets.
- Iron levels in calf feed impact growth, health, and meat quality.
- Understanding optimal iron supplementation is crucial for the veal industry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the optimal dietary iron concentration for veal calves.
- To assess the impact of iron levels on calf physiology and carcase color.
- To identify sensitive indicators of iron deficiency in livestock.
Main Methods:
- Calves were fed liquid diets with varying soluble iron concentrations (mg/kg dry matter).
- Physiological and biochemical parameters were monitored, including hemoglobin levels.
- Appetite, growth, and carcase color were assessed.
- Anemia was experimentally induced in calves and sheep to evaluate response indicators.
Main Results:
- A dietary iron concentration of 25-30 mg/kg dry matter supported normal hemoglobin, appetite, and growth.
- This iron level also yielded carcases with the desired light color for the veal market.
- A decrease in appetite was the most sensitive early indicator of induced anemia in both calves and sheep.
Conclusions:
- Optimal iron supplementation for veal calves is between 25-30 mg/kg dietary dry matter.
- Reduced appetite serves as a more sensitive indicator of iron deficiency than complex physiological measures.
- These findings support efficient veal production and early detection of nutritional deficiencies.
