Abstract
To study whether a delayed start of colostrum feeding in calves affects plasma lipids, fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins, one group was fed colostrum (milkings 1–4) on d 1 and 2, then mature milk up to d 7, whereas two other groups were fed glucose or water on d 1, colostrum (milkings 1–4) on d 2 and 3 and then mature milk up to d 7. In calves fed colostrum on d 1, starting 5–7 h after birth, plasma concentrations of triglycerides, phospholipids, total cholesterol and of essential and nonessential fatty acids in triglyceride, phospholipid and cholesterol ester fractions as well as of carotene, retinol and α-tocopherol up to d 7 were significantly higher than in calves in which colostrum feeding started after >24 h of life. On the other hand, plasma concentrations of vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12 and folic acid were not influenced. Results indicated reduced efficiency of absorption of colostral fatty acids and of fat-soluble vitamins, but not of (selected) water-soluble vitamins, if colostrum is not fed on d 1 of life. In conclusion, colostrum intake within the first 24 h of life is required for an adequate plasma lipid, essential fatty acid, carotene, retinol and α-tocopherol status in the first week of life of calves.
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