Effects of oral iron supplementation on some haematological parameters and iron biochemistry in neonatal dairy calves

Abstract

Since the iron requirements of ruminants are not well established and most recommendations are estimates, this study was performed to determine whe- ther 150mg/day iron supplementation in neonatal dairy calves (heifer replacement system) fed roughage and concentrates could promote a healthy haematology and iron profile. A total of 40 calves was used in the present study. The animals were divided into two groups (test 20 and control 20). In the test group, oral iron, as ferrous sulphate, was given as a supplement to each calf at a rate of 150 mg/daily for 28 days starting at birth. Sampling was conducted from the jugular vein immediately after birth and 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after birth. The test group had significantly higher levels of haemoglobin (Hb) and haematocrit (PCV) at 14, 21 and 28 days than the control group (P<0.05). Red blood cell (RBC) count was significantly higher in the test group at the 28th day (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in RBC indices between groups. The serum iron (Fe) and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) saturation was sig- nificantly higher at the 14th, 21st and 28th days in the test group than in controls (P<0.05). At day 28, the TIBC was significantly less in the test group than in controls (P<0.05). In the test group, the levels of iron and RBC parameters were significantly higher at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days than at first sampling, and at day 28, compared to first sampling, for TIBC saturation (P<0.05). In the control group, the paired t-test re- vealed higher levels of Hb at day 28 than at first sam- pling, and there were lower values for PCV at day 14 and higher values of RBCs at days 21 and 28 (P<0.05). At days 14, 21 and 28, TIBC levels were significantly higher than at first sampling, and TIBC saturation was significantly lower at 14 and 21 days than at first sam- pling (P<0.05).