Carotene Utilization in the Newborn Calf

Abstract

Summary Experiments were conducted with 18 newborn dairy calves to study carotene utilization. Holstein, Guernsey, and Jersey male calves were fed a skim milk-low carotene ration from birth without having received colostrum. Crystalline carotene in peanut oil or lard, alfalfa leaf meal and a commercial carotene concentrate were used as sources of carotene. Blood plasma levels and liver storage of carotene and vitamin A, growth and general well-being were used as criteria of carotene utilization. The onset of infection and scours shortly after birth reduced the absorption and utilization of carotene regardless of the amounts fed. Alfalfa leaf meal and laboratory preparations of crystalline carotene in peanut oil or lard were unsatisfactory as sources of carotene for the newborn calf. Satisfactory prevention and control of scours was obtained in most cases by oral administration of 4 to 8 grams of sulfathalidine daily for the first week. When scours were controlled, newborn calves were able to utilize the carotene in a commercial concentrate at a rate sufficient to provide for satisfactory growth and some storage in vitamin A in the liver.