Growth and passive immunity in response to micronutrient supplementation in new-born calves of Murrah buffaloes given fat soluble vitamins during late pregnancy

Abstract

A total of 30 advanced pregnant buffaloes were randomly selected from the institute herd and divided into two groups of 15 buffaloes each. The animals in the treated group (Ttdm) were administered with two i.m. injections of fat soluble vitamins AD 3E Triplex, a month prior to expected date of calving. The rest of the buffaloes were kept as control (Utdm) group. Calves born to the buffaloes within each group were further subdivided into three subgroups with five calves in each group. The calves of these subgroups were designated as (i) unsupplemented control (Co), (ii) supplemented with mineral mixture (Ms), and (iii) supplemented with fat soluble vitamins and minerals (Vms). The metabolic status of these calves was monitored by thyroid hormone profile. Levels of serum immunoglobulins (Ig) and minerals were evaluated as function of growth and immunity. Vitamin supplementation to buffaloes during advanced pregnancy enhanced the total Ig secretion in colostrum by 7.7, 2.5, 29, and 80%, respectively, in the the first 4 days. Calves born to supplemented dams showed higher absorbed Ig levels in blood serum up to 45 days postpartum. Ig absorption improved by 30 and 18%, respectively, on days 1 and 15 in mineral supplemented calves. However, the combined action of vitamins and mineral in Vms group of calves suppressed the levels of total Ig in blood serum. The levels were reduced by 42 and 83%, respectively, on days 1 and 15 after birth. Suppression in blood serum Ig levels was of higher order in calves born to unsupplemented dams. Higher monthly body weight gain was noted in calves of supplemented dams. The effects of antioxidant and fat soluble vitamins in combination with minerals on passive immunity and growth in buffalo calves are discussed.