Effects of supplementing ruminal-bypass unsaturated fatty acids during late gestation on beef cow and calf serum and colostrum fatty acids, transfer of passive immunity, and cow and calf performance

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective Our objective was to determine the effects of ruminally protected UFA supplementation during late gestation on fatty acid (FA) profiles in colostrum and maternal and offspring serum, and transfer of passive immunity in beef cattle. Materials and Methods Crossbred Angus cows (n = 58) were blocked by parity and then randomly assigned to supplements for the last 90 d of gestation: control (1.5 kg of corn gluten feed; n = 29) or an isocaloric and isonitrogenous supplement containing 200 g of bypass EFA (RBEFA; Essentiom, Church and Dwight Co., Princeton, NJ; n = 29) 5 d per week. Maternal blood was collected on d 45 of treatment and at parturition. Colostrum samples were collected at parturition. Calf blood was collected at birth and 1 and 5 d of age. Serum and colostrum samples were analyzed for FA and IgG concentrations. Data were analyzed via ANOVA with repeated measures when appropriate. Results and Discussion Total FA concentrations in cows on RBEFA were increased (P Implications and Applications Late-gestation supplementation of EFA increased serum FA concentrations, colostrum IgG, and calf serum IgG and increased calf growth up to weaning.